RA Gold - 2014 - 10,000 dram - Hovhannes Shiraz: 100th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 87

Obverse: A detailed portrait of Hovhannes Shiraz (1914-1984), one of Armenia’s most cherished poets, with the Armenian inscription "ՇԻՐԱԶ" ("Shiraz") and his birth and death years "1914-1984" framing the image.

Reverse: The depiction of Mount Ararat (Big Masis) alongside an excerpt from Hovhannes Shiraz’s famous poem "Ktak" (Will). The Armenian inscription reads:
«Հ. Բարձրացար դու, Մասիս,
Որ չտեսար մի Սասուն,
Որ թշնամուն վերացնես»
(an excerpt from the poem “Ktak”), followed by Shiraz’s signature. The inscriptions also include "Հայաստանի Հանրապետության Կենտրոնական Բանկ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia") and the year "2014". The denomination "10,000" and "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") are displayed at the bottom.

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 500 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designers: Haroutiun Samuelian (obverse), Eduard Kurghinyan (reverse)
Mint: Lithuanian Mint

This commemorative coin marks the 100th birth anniversary of Hovhannes Shiraz, one of the most beloved poets of Armenia. Born in 1914 in Gyumri (Alexandropol), Shiraz rose to prominence in the mid-20th century with his impassioned poems that touched on the essence of Armenian identity, history, and culture. His works span various themes, from patriotism to human emotions, and from the beauty of nature to deep philosophical meditations.

Shiraz’s literary career began in the late 1930s with the publication of his collection "The Arrival of Spring" and his epic poem "Siamanto and Khajezare". His early works also included "Country of the Sun" and "Song of Armenia". During World War II, Shiraz worked as a correspondent, producing poetry that reflected the resilience of the Armenian people and their fight for survival. His collections such as "The Voice of the Poet", "The Book of Songs", and "Lyrics" made him a well-established figure in Armenian literature.

Shiraz’s poetry evolved over the decades, particularly with his renowned "The Lyrics of Armenia", a three-volume work that cemented his reputation as a national poet. His writings not only celebrated Armenian history but also reflected on the fate of Armenians in the diaspora and the survival of Armenian culture. His works like "The Miracle of Armenia: Mesrop Mashtots", "Ode to Ararat", and "The Armenian Dante-esque" display his deep love for his homeland.

The poet also placed immense significance on the concept of motherhood, both in his personal and poetic life, as seen in works like "My Mother", "Mother Armenia", and "The Arrival of Spring". Shiraz’s vision of mothers as central figures in both life and society earned him great admiration.

Today, the Hovhannes Shiraz Museum in Gyumri is dedicated to his life and works, celebrating his timeless contributions to Armenian literature and culture.