Gold and Silver Bullion from Armenia

Mount Ararat is widely accepted as the final resting place for Noah's Ark, the boat from the biblical story of the great flood. As a way to commemorate and celebrate, the government of Armenia began producing a series of silver coins featuring Noah's Ark.

The Noah's Ark Silver Coin series began mass production in 2011 when the Central Bank of Armenia struck a partnership with a subsidiary of Geiger Edelmetalle to mint these special coins.

The coins were initially available in 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz weight denominations. Since the introduction the Noah's Ark silver coins have seen a surge in demand. To meet the demands of investors and collectors, larger size coins, with 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kilo and 5 kilo weight denominations have been introduced that have become widely popular.

Noah's Ark Silver Coin Design

Like other annually released sovereign coins, the design of the Noah's Ark Silver Coins remains the same year after year. The obverse of the coin features the Armenian Coat of Arms, proudly showing an eagle and a lion behind the national shield. Mount Ararat is depicted in the center of the shield with a rendering of Noah's Ark resting at its peak.

The reverse design is based on the narrative from the Bible in which a mighty flood wipes out life on the planet. The background depicts the sun rising over Mount Ararat as a dove flies with a branch in its beak, a symbol of peace and tranquility. Engravings on the obverse, in both English and Armenian read "Noah's Ark".

All of the Armenia Noah's Ark series coins are produced in .999 fine silver. They each carry a face value in the Dram, the national currency of Armenia. The face values of each coins vary based on their weight denomination, with the 1 troy oz coin having a value of 500 Dram.

Armenian Precious Metals

Armenia has a rich history with precious metals, particularly gold and silver. The region known as Armenia has a long history of mining and metallurgy, dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that gold and silver were mined and used for jewelry, ornaments, and various artifacts. During the Kingdom of Urartu, which existed in the Armenian Highlands from the 9th to 6th centuries BCE, the people that lived in the region were known for their advanced metallurgical techniques. The Urartians used gold and silver to create intricate jewelry, decorative objects, and coins.

During the medieval period, Armenia was situated on important trade routes connecting East and West. The region's strategic location allowed for the exchange of precious metals, particularly along the Silk Road. Armenian craftsmen were renowned for their skill in working with gold and silver, producing exquisite jewelry, religious objects, and decorative items.

In the 20th century, Armenia was part of the Soviet Union. The Soviet government established industrial mining operations, including those focused on gold and other metals. Armenia's mining sector played a role in the Soviet economy. After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia continued to have some mining activity, including the extraction of metals like gold and molybdenum. The country also began to explore opportunities for foreign investment in its mining sector.

Armenia has a strong tradition of jewelry-making, often incorporating intricate designs and craftsmanship. Gold and silver jewelry remain important cultural symbols and are often worn during special occasions and ceremonies.

In recent years, Armenia has sought to develop its mining industry further, including the exploration and extraction of precious metals. The country's natural resources, including its mineral wealth, play a role in its economic development.

Armenia's history with precious metals has led to a recognition of the value of gold and silver as stores of wealth and sources of investment. As a result, precious metals like gold and silver are bought and sold in Armenia for investment purposes.