RA Gold - 2006 - 10,000 dram - Hakob Gurjian: 125th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 15

Obverse: Portrait of Hakob Gurjian is prominently displayed in relief, accompanied by the years "1881-1948" to the right, indicating his birth and death dates. The name "Hakob Gurjian" is inscribed in both Armenian and Latin characters around the upper edge of the coin.

Reverse: Sculpture 'Salome' is depicted, a work by Hakob Gurjian created between 1925-1926, originally in bronze. The composition presents a stylized figure with distinct artistic elements, reflecting the fusion of ancient Eastern art with modern European influences. The denomination "10,000 dram" is inscribed to the right of the sculpture, alongside the year "2006".

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof
Designer: H. Samuelian (obverse), E. Kurghinyan (reverse)
Mint: Jablonex Group a.s., Division Czech Mint

Hakob Gurjian (1881-1948) was a notable Armenian sculptor renowned for merging the finest elements of ancient Eastern art with modern European artistic movements. He studied at the Artistic Schools in Shooshy and Moscow, then continued his education at the Julian Academy in Paris, refining his skills in the studio of the legendary Auguste Rodin. Gurjian worked in both Moscow and Paris, gaining recognition through numerous exhibitions, including solo shows in New York (1924) and Paris (1926, and posthumously in 1952). His sculptures embody a masterful blend of cultural artistic traditions, and the 'Salome' sculpture depicted on the coin is one of his celebrated works, reflecting his unique artistic vision.