RA Gold - 2008 - 10,000 dram - William Saroyan: 100th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 21

Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of William Saroyan, with the background displaying multiple repetitions of his name in Armenian script. The years "1908-1981" are also included, marking his birth and death dates. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՎԻԼԼՅԱՄ ՍԱՐՈՅԱՆ" ("William Saroyan").

Reverse: Depicts a stylized landscape with mountains and the inscription "My heart's in the highlands," a reference to Saroyan’s famous play of the same name. The denomination "10000" is displayed with "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") beneath, and the year "2008" above. The inscription around the edge reads: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԿԵՆՏՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ԲԱՆԿ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia").

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer: Edward Kurghinyan
Mint: Jablonex Group a.s., Division Czech Mint

This commemorative coin celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of William Saroyan, a renowned Armenian-American writer known for his profound impact on the genre of short stories. Born in Fresno, California, in 1908, into a family of Armenian immigrants from Bitlis, West Armenia, Saroyan was largely self-educated, immersing himself in both American and world literature while maintaining a deep connection to his Armenian heritage.

Saroyan’s literary works often reflect themes of internal freedom, spiritual beauty, love, and kindness, resonating with universal human values. He became famous as a master of short stories, bringing fresh social-psychological themes to the genre and emphasizing the importance of human connection. His influence extended to novels and dramas, where he embodied the vitality and resilience of the human spirit.

The reverse of the coin honors Saroyan's famous play "My Heart's in the Highlands," highlighting his artistic legacy and contributions to literature that emphasized the beauty of the world and the richness of human emotions. This coin serves as a tribute to Saroyan's enduring impact on literature and his legacy in celebrating the Armenian spirit.