Coin Identifier
Armenian Silver Noah's Ark
World

Armenian Silver Noah's Ark

A biblically themed silver bullion coin issued by the Central Bank of Armenia, referencing Mount Ararat's traditional association with Noah's Ark.

Country
Armenia
Denomination
100 Dram (1 oz); other denominations for fractional/large sizes
Metal
0.999 fine silver

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Overview

The Armenian Silver Noah's Ark coin is a bullion product issued under the authority of the Central Bank of Armenia, drawing on the country's cultural and historical connection to Mount Ararat, traditionally regarded as the resting place of Noah's Ark. The coin has become a well-regarded entry in the modern world bullion coin market, valued for both its striking artwork and its symbolic subject matter.

Struck in .999 fine silver, the coin is primarily produced in a one-ounce format, with additional fractional and larger sizes, including kilo coins, offered in various years. The reverse design has remained largely consistent, centering on the ark and Ararat imagery, distinguishing it from bullion series that redesign annually.

Its blend of religious and historical symbolism with dependable bullion specifications has given the Noah's Ark coin crossover appeal among collectors interested in biblical themes as well as pure precious metals investors.

History & Background

The coin was first issued in 2011 by the Central Bank of Armenia, continuing a numismatic tradition of referencing Mount Ararat, a national symbol for Armenians despite the mountain itself lying within modern Turkey. Its design pays homage to the enduring cultural association between Armenia and the biblical Noah's Ark narrative.

Production has been carried out by Geiger Edelmetalle, a German precious metals and minting company, under agreement with Armenian monetary authorities, a common arrangement for smaller nations seeking access to advanced minting technology for internationally marketed bullion coins.

Over the years since its introduction, the coin has built a loyal following, with the design occasionally updated or offered in new finishes, while retaining its core ark-and-mountain composition that ties the series to its founding concept.

How to Identify

The obverse generally features Armenia's coat of arms or national emblem along with the country name, denomination, weight, and fineness. The reverse depicts a stylized ark, often shown resting on or near a mountain evocative of Ararat, sometimes accompanied by pairs of animals or dove imagery referencing the biblical flood narrative.

Standard one-ounce coins are struck in .999 fine silver with a 100 Dram face value, and the coin's edge and diameter follow typical bullion coin conventions for its weight class. Fractional and larger kilo-format coins have also been produced in various years.

Because the core ark design has remained fairly consistent compared to annually changing wildlife or zodiac series, dating relies primarily on the printed year, with occasional variations in finish (proof versus bullion strike) or minor design refinements distinguishing different releases.

Value & Collectibility

Value is driven mainly by the spot price of silver, with a premium reflecting the coin's niche collector appeal and production run size. As a less mainstream bullion product compared to major national coins like the American Eagle, it may carry variable premiums depending on dealer demand.

Early issues from the coin's 2011 debut and any low-mintage or special proof finishes can carry additional collector interest above pure bullion value. Complete sets across different years or sizes may also appeal to specialist collectors of biblically or historically themed coinage.

As with all silver bullion, pricing tracks the broader metals market, and buyers should verify current premiums with reputable dealers rather than relying on outdated pricing information.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Armenia issue a Noah's Ark coin?

Mount Ararat, traditionally associated with the biblical Noah's Ark, is a powerful national symbol for Armenians, making it a fitting subject for the country's bullion coinage.

Who actually strikes the coin?

Geiger Edelmetalle, a German precious metals company, produces the coin under agreement with the Central Bank of Armenia.

What purity is the silver?

The coins are struck in .999 fine silver.

Does the design change each year?

The core ark-and-mountain design has remained relatively consistent compared to annually redesigned series, though finishes and minor details can vary by year.

What sizes are available?

A standard one-ounce coin is most common, with fractional and larger kilo-format sizes issued in some years.