RA Gold - 2013 - 10,000 dram - Vahram Papazyan: 125th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 47

Obverse: The portrait of Vahram Papazyan (1888-1968), the prominent Armenian dramatic actor, with his thoughtful pose symbolizing his deep connection to the theatrical arts. The Armenian inscription reads "ՎԱՀՐԱՄ ՓԱՓԱԶՅԱՆ" ("Vahram Papazyan") along with his birth and death years: "1888-1968."

Reverse: The reverse features the iconic sculpture of We Are Our Mountains, a symbol of Armenian identity, alongside the denomination "10,000" with "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram"). The Armenian inscription reads: "Հայաստանի Հանրապետության Կենտրոնական Բանկ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia") and the year "2013."

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 500 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer: Eduard Kurghinyan
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

This commemorative coin honors the 125th anniversary of the birth of Vahram Papazyan, one of the most distinguished Armenian dramatic actors of the 20th century. Born in Constantinople in 1888, Papazyan's artistic career spanned several decades, with performances that brought him acclaim across the Armenian diaspora and beyond.

Papazyan first made his theatrical debut in 1908 in Constantinople, where he portrayed Othello, a role that would become one of his signature performances. He trained in Paris and worked closely with Italian theatrical masters, which greatly influenced his acting style. Papazyan's career took him to stages in Leningrad, Tiflis, Baku, Paris, and other European cities. In 1954, he settled in Armenia, joining the Sundukyan Theater in Yerevan, where he continued to perform in many iconic roles.

His portrayal of Shakespearean characters such as Othello, Hamlet, and King Lear, as well as characters from Lermontov and Tolstoy, earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile and powerful actors of his time. Known for his spontaneity, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence, Papazyan's legacy continues to influence Armenian theater.