Certified Armenian Silver Coins

Certified Armenian Silver Coins Available from JM Bullion

The Noah's Ark Series, authorized by the Armenian government, is a fairly new program that has quickly become a collector favorite. Produced in weights of 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, kilogram and 5 kilogram each year, the coins from the Noah's Ark Series contain .999 fine silver and are considered legal tender in the country of Armenia. The biblical story of Noah is one that has been told and retold throughout human history. The implication in the story is one of punishment for the sins of mankind, undertaken to cleanse the Earth and show humans that consequences exist.

The Armenian Noah’s Ark Series was first introduced only a few years ago, in 2011. Although it is the official silver bullion coin of Armenia, the coins are struck by the Geiger Edelmetalle mint located in Germany. Geiger Edelmetalle is one of five German state mints, and is located near the city of Leipzig in the country’s southeast region. This particular region of Germany has a silver mining tradition that dates back to the 12th century.

About Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver Coins

A certified silver coin is one that has been inspected and graded by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Both coin certification services have high standards for quality and condition on coins, meaning their certification is reserved for only those coins that match those standards. The most common grades that the Noah's Ark Silver Coins are available in are Mint State 69 and Mint State 70, or MS69 and MS70 respectively.

Due to the high standards associated with these grades, the number of coins that earn those grades is often quite low. As a result, collectors strive to purchase these coins. Thankfully for investors and collectors, the mintage caps for the Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver coin is quite high. The 1 oz coin has a mintage cap of 8 million, while the 1/4 and 1/2 oz coins have a cap of 2 million. The four large weights each have a mintage cap of 500,000.

Noah's Ark Silver Coin Design

The Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver coin is similar to other national silver bullion programs in that the same image is used on the obverse and reverse side each year. Armenian artist Eduard Kurghinyan is the man behind the design on each side of the coin. Each Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver coin is struck using .999 fine silver. Originally, the coins were only available in 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz weights. Just one year after the series was introduced, the variety of weights was increased to include additional coins with weights of 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg, and 5 kg coins. The face value on all coins is listed in Armenian drams and corresponds to the coin’s weight.

On the reverse side of each coin is his depiction of Noah’s Ark. In the image, the Ark is seen floating on the flood waters during the 40-day flood. In the foreground, a single dove with an olive branch appears in the image. In the background, the rising sun peaks above the top of Mount Ararat with several rays protruding from its center. Engravings include the phrase “Noah’s Ark” in both English and Armenian.

The obverse side of the coin bears the coat of arms for the Republic of Armenia. In the image, a lion and eagle are visible on either side of the nation’s heraldic shield. Engravings include the phrase “Republic of Armenia” in both English and Armenian, as well as the face value of the coin and its minting year. To the bottom right of the design are engravings for its weight and silver purity.

Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver coins are sold in plastic packaging that includes a label with the grade and name of the certification company. The label includes information about the specific grade, as well as the mintage year and a unique verification code. For example, an MS69 grade indicates a coin with an attractive, sharp strike on the mint mark and year of minting, with no more than two blemishes on its surface. An MS70 grade signifies a coin that is considered perfectly struck, with no blemishes.

The Story of Noah's Ark

Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver coins pay homage to the nation’s connection to the biblical story of Noah. For starters, the small nation is rumored to have been founded originally by two of Jesus’ apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. In 301 A.D., Armenia became the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its national religion. Most importantly, Mount Ararat was once located within the borders of Armenia, which is the reported final resting place of Noah’s Ark. Although a redrawing of national borders in Europe following World War I transferred Mount Ararat into Turkish territory, it is forever connected with Armenia and Noah’s Ark. The biblical tale and its connection to the country are the central theme of this coin.

Purchasing with JM Bullion

Each Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver Coin you purchase from JM Bullion is packaged inside its own plastic certification case to protect the condition of the coin. Shipments are sent in discreet packaging to protect the identity of the contents, and all packages are fully-insured to protect your investment against damage or loss. Best of all, shipping is always free for orders over $199.

If you have questions about our selection of Certified Armenian Noah’s Ark Silver Coins, we encourage you to contact a JM Bullion associate at 800-276-6508. Our helpful staff is also available via the live chat feature and email. Be sure to also view our full selection of Uncirculated Armenian Noah's Ark Silver Coins for other sizes and years.