RA Gold - 2011 - 10,000 dram - Misak Metsarents: 125th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 41

Obverse: Portrait of Misak Metsarents (1886-1908), the celebrated Armenian poet known for his contributions to romantic and symbolist poetry. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՄԻՍԱԿ ՄԵԾԱՐԵՆՑ" ("Misak Metsarents"), with the years "1886-1908" displayed vertically next to the portrait.

Reverse: The reverse features an abstract design evoking imagery of nature and light, elements often present in Metsarents's poetry. The year "2011" is inscribed, with the denomination "10000" and "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") below it. 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: Eduard Kurghinyan
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

This commemorative coin celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of Misak Metsarents, one of Armenia's most beloved poets. Born in 1886, Metsarents was educated at the Aramyan school in Sivas, the "Anatolia" night college in Marzvan, and the Kentronakan Gymnasium in Constantinople. His major collections, "Rainbow" and "New Poems," were published in 1907, showcasing his romantic and symbolist style. Metsarents’s literary work includes over 130 lyrical poems, several short stories, and literary-critical articles.

Known for his vivid depictions of nature and deep emotional resonance, Metsarents's works are celebrated for their beauty and expressive imagery, aligning with the traditions of classical romanticism and symbolism. He also translated works of prominent Western European and Russian poets, thus contributing to the cultural exchange between Armenia and the broader literary world. Metsarents’s poetry remains an integral part of Armenian literary heritage, and this coin serves as a tribute to his short but impactful career.