RA Gold - 2012 - 10,000 dram - Sayat-Nova: 300th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 44

Obverse: Portrait of Sayat-Nova (1712-1795), the renowned Armenian poet and bard, known for his romantic and inspirational songs. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՍԱՅԱԹ-ՆՈՎԱ" ("Sayat-Nova") with the years "1712-1795." Additionally, the inscription "300 ՏԱՐԵԿԱՆ" ("300 years") marks the tercentenary of his birth.

Reverse: A symbolic representation of a pomegranate, associated with the film The Color of Pomegranates by Sergey Parajanov, which was dedicated to Sayat-Nova's life and legacy. The Armenian inscription reads: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԿԵՆՏՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ԲԱՆԿ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia"), and the year "2012" is displayed, alongside the denomination "10000" with "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram").

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer: Tigran Chobanyan
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

This commemorative coin celebrates the 300th birth anniversary of Sayat-Nova, one of the most prominent poets and bards of the 18th century, renowned for his masterful and romantic lyrics. Born in 1712, Sayat-Nova created over 200 songs, with love as the predominant theme. He also composed songs with moral and reflective undertones, touching on the human condition and the values of his time.

As a musician, Sayat-Nova often performed his songs while playing the qamancha, an ancient string instrument. His art profoundly influenced the development of bardic traditions in the Transcaucasus region, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage of Armenia and its neighboring cultures.

Sayat-Nova’s legacy extended beyond music; his character and work have been reflected in literature, fine arts, theater, and cinema. One of the most notable tributes to his life is Sergey Parajanov's film The Color of Pomegranates, which vividly portrays his poetic and artistic vision. This coin is a tribute to Sayat-Nova's enduring cultural impact, both in Armenia and across the broader Caucasus region.