1989 - Earthquake in Leninakan

ANRO-491; Shkurko-1886

Obverse: ARMENIA БЛАГОРОДСТВО МИЛОСЕРДИЕ ՎԵՀԱՆՁՆՈԻԹՅՈԻՆ ԳԹԱՍՐՏՈԻԹՅՈԻՆ
Reverse: 7.12.1988
Specifications: 65mm; 155.33g; Tombac (red brass)
Artist / Engraver: A. Kh. Adamyan
Mint: Leningrad Mint
Edge: Plain
Mintage: 20,000 pcs.
Reference: Soviet Znak-1911a; Shkurko-1886
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The 1989 medal memorializes the devastating earthquake that struck Leninakan (now Gyumri), Armenia, on December 7, 1988. With a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of life, leaving tens of thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. This commemorative medal serves as a somber reminder of the tragic event and pays homage to the resilience of the Armenian people as they continue to rebuild and recover from the disaster. It also recognizes the outpouring of international support and solidarity that followed, highlighting the global community's commitment to aiding those affected by natural disasters.