USSR - 1989 - 3 Roubles - Armenian Earthquake Relief, 1988 (UNC)

ANRO-342

Country: USSR
Subject: Spitak Earthquake
Date: 1989
Denomination: 3 roubles
Metal: Cu-Ni
Weight: 14g
Diameter: 33mm
Edge: Plain
Mintage: 3,000,000pcs.
Strike quality: UNC

This coin was issued to honor the victims of the Spitak earthquake, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Armenian history. The earthquake struck northern Armenia on December 7, 1988, with a magnitude of 6.8. It destroyed entire cities, including Spitak, Leninakan (now Gyumri), and Kirovakan (now Vanadzor). The disaster claimed the lives of an estimated 25,000 people, injured more than 19,000, and left over 500,000 homeless. International aid and solidarity played a significant role in the relief and rebuilding efforts. The coin's imagery symbolizes both the tragedy of the event and the resilience of the Armenian people.