RA Gold - 2017 - 10,000 dram - Alexander Mantashian: 175th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 92

Obverse: The portrait of Alexander Mantashian (1842-1911), a prominent Armenian businessman and philanthropist. His signature is displayed below the portrait. The Armenian inscription reads: "Ալեքսանդր Մանթաշյան" ("Alexander Mantashian") alongside the years "1842-1911".

Reverse: A depiction of the monument symbolizing the collective image of Armenian benefactors, taken from the “Alley of Armenian Benefactors” memorial complex in Yerevan, designed by Ferdinant Araqelyan. The bilingual inscription reads “GRATITUDE” in Armenian and English, and at the bottom of the design is the year "2017". The Armenian inscription reads: "Հայաստանի Հանրապետության Կենտրոնական Բանկ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia"). The denomination "10,000" and "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") are inscribed at the bottom.

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 900
Weight: 8.60g
Diameter: 22mm
Mintage: 500 pcs
Edge: Reeded
Strike Quality: Proof
Designer: Haroutiun Samuelian
Mint: Lithuanian Mint

This commemorative coin honors the 175th birth anniversary of Alexander Mantashian, a distinguished Armenian businessman and philanthropist who left an enduring legacy through his charitable work and contributions to the Armenian people. Born in 1842, Mantashian was a major figure in the oil industry, establishing "A. I. Mantashev & Co.," a joint-stock company that expanded across Russia, Europe, and Asia. His business acumen helped him accumulate great wealth, which he used for the betterment of the Armenian community and beyond.

Mantashian financed numerous educational initiatives, including sponsoring the education of over 200 young Armenians at leading universities in Russia and Europe, many of whom went on to become prominent figures in various fields. His philanthropic efforts extended to the construction and restoration of Armenian churches and schools in the Caucasus, as well as major infrastructure projects like the Baku-Batumi oil pipeline. He also contributed significantly to the renovation of the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and the construction of St. John the Baptist Church in Paris.

In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Mantashian was elected a lifelong honorary chairman of the Armenian Charitable Society in the Caucasus and was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1904. His dedication to his people and his charitable work have left a lasting impact on Armenian society.