The Armenian Noah’s Ark coins are silver and gold coins issued by Armenia, recognized globally, and cherished by investors and collectors for their cultural and historical significance. The silver issues were introduced in 2011 and have .999 fineness, while the gold series was launched in September 2020 and is .9999 fine.
These coins reflect Armenia’s cultural heritage and religious history through designs inspired by the biblical narrative of Noah’s Ark and Mount Ararat.
Face Value and Weight
The Noah’s Ark coins are minted by Geiger Edelmetalle under rights granted by the Central Bank of Armenia. The coins adhere to stringent quality standards and undergo state-supervised inspections.
Gold Noah’s Ark Coins by Weight and Face Value
Gold issues of the Noah’s Ark series are available in sizes up to one ounce, which have higher face values, like the 2025 1 oz Gold 50,0000 Dram Noah’s Ark coin.
| Weight | Face Value |
| 1/4 ounce Gold Noah’s Ark | 10,000 Dram |
| 1/2 ounce Gold Noah’s Ark | 25,000 Dram |
| 1 ounce Gold Noah’s Ark | 50,000 Dram |
Silver Noah’s Ark Coins by Weight and Face Value
Silver Noah’s Ark coins are available in sizes from ¼ ounce up to 5 kilograms.
| Weight | Face Value |
| 1/4 ounce Silver Noah’s Ark | 100 Dram |
| 1/2 ounce Silver Noah’s Ark | 200 Dram |
| 1 ounce Silver Noah’s Ark | 500 Dram |
| 5 ounce Silver Noah’s Ark | 1,000 Dram |
| 10 ounce Silver Noah’s Ark | 5,000 Dram |
| 1 kilogram Silver Noah’s Ark | 10,000 Dram |
| 5 kilograms Silver Noah’s Ark | 20,000 Dram |
Design and Symbolism
Although there have been minor changes throughout the years, the core design of the Armenian Noah’s Ark coin series has been consistent since 2011.
Obverse Design
The obverse features the Armenian coat of arms, with a central shield propped up by a lion and an eagle, symbolizing the nation’s strength. Surrounding the arms is the inscription “Republic of Armenia” in both Armenian and English. Below the coat of arms is the denomination in Armenian Drams, the purity and the weight, year of issue, and the mint’s official symbol.
Reverse Design
The reverse depicts Noah’s Ark in its center, floating amid floodwaters. A white dove carrying an olive branch flies towards the Ark, symbolizing peace and renewal. In the background is Mount Ararat’s silhouette with the rising sun, signifying hope. The inscription “Noah’s Ark” is minted around the motif in both Armenian and English, further emphasizing the coin’s connection to faith and cultural identity.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Mount Ararat holds deep importance in Armenia. According to Biblical tradition, Noah’s Ark came to rest on this mountain after the flood in Genesis. The mountain is prominently featured in Armenia’s coat of arms and is visible from Yerevan, the nation’s capital city. This underscores Armenia’s enduring identity and historical resilience.
The Armenian brown bear is an endangered subspecies weighing up to 200 kg, and is another symbol linked to the nation’s heritage. The bear inhabits Armenia’s remote mountain regions and is under strict protection.
The Armenian Dram
Historical Background of the Dram
The Armenian dram is the nation’s official currency. Its name translates to “money” and is cognate with the Greek “drachma” and Arabic “dirham.” The dram’s earliest use dates to the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (1199-1375), where silver coins known as dram or tram were issued.
The Modern Armenian Dram
After declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia remained part of the ruble zone until the system’s collapse in 1993. On November 22, 1993, Armenia introduced its own currency, the dram. The Central Bank of Armenia issues the dram, which is divided into 100 luma. Although luma coins are rarely used today, dram banknotes and coins feature prominent cultural figures and monuments.
While the Dram continues to evolve, the Noah’s Ark silver and gold coins represent Armenia’s cultural heritage and religious history. Their intricate designs, high purity, and investment appeal have earned them a place among the world’s most respected bullion coins. These continue to link Armenian coins to the nation’s past and present through a timeless narrative of hope and survival.
