RA Gold - 2010 - 10,000 dram - Raffi: 175th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 37

Obverse: Portrait of Raffi (Hakob Meliq-Hakobyan, 1835-1888), a prominent Armenian novelist, publicist, and public figure. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՌԱՖՖԻ" ("Raffi"), with the years "1835-1888" inscribed around the edge.

Reverse: A large quill pen, symbolizing Raffi's literary contributions, overlays a background of handwritten text, representing excerpts from his works. The year "2010" is included on the left, with the denomination "10000" displayed below, and "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") inscribed beneath. The inscription around the upper 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: Eduard Kurghinyan
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

This commemorative coin marks the 175th birth anniversary of Raffi (Hakob Meliq-Hakobyan, 1835-1888), a renowned Armenian writer whose contributions have significantly shaped Armenian literature and national thought. Born in the village of Payajouk, Raffi graduated from the Tiflis State Russian Gymnasium and later taught Armenian language and history at Armenian schools in Tabriz and Agulis. By 1879, he returned to Tiflis, dedicating himself entirely to writing.

Raffi is celebrated for his novels such as "Khachagogh's Diary," "Gold Cock," "David Bek," and "Samvel," which focus on themes of civic responsibility and national unity. Through his mastery of prose, Raffi elevated Armenian literature to align with international standards, making him an influential figure in both the literary and cultural history of Armenia. His work continues to inspire the values of patriotism and community, and this coin honors his enduring legacy in Armenian and world literature.