Armenia - 2018 Third Series Hybrid Commemorating 25th Anniversary of National Currency 1993-2018, Dram

Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն

Hayastani Hanrapetut’yun

Republic of Armenia

Central Bank of Republic of Armenia

Here is a complete set of 6 notes issued on 22/11/2018 and 25/12/2018. This is the third series of Armenian banknotes since regaining its independence on 21/09/1991 following the collapsed of the Soviet Union empire. Prior to that, Armenia has a long history of issuing its own currency since 1919.

This series comprises of six denominations - 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000 Dram (֏). The theme for this third series are famous citizens/Armenians and monuments. According to the Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, Arthur Javadyan, these notes, together with the 500 dram 2017 collector's note are issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Armenian currency. The top 3 denominations were first issued on 22/11/2018 and the remaining 3 notes on 25/12/2018. Modem Armenian dram came into effect from 22/11/1993. The currency Dram means money in Armenian. This is the first time a 2000 dram value is introduced for circulation. The 100000 dram is not included in this series.

All these notes are printed on Louisenthal's Hybrid substrate with a cotton core and sandwiched by two thin polyester layers to increase its durability. These notes are designed by Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) and Louisenthal. This is the second time the central bank issued hybrid banknotes. The first was the 500 Dram Noah Ark commemorative note issued in 2017.

Main designs/features
1000 Dram - poet Paruyr Sevek 1924-1971 | Paruyr Sevek's home/museum in Zangakatun;
2000 Dram - chess grandmaster Tigran Petrosian 1929-1984 | Tigran Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan and his statue;
5000 Dram - writer and dramatist William Saroyan 1908-1981 | his statue in Yerevan
10000 Dram - composer Komitas Vardapet 1869-1935 | Komitas monument in Etchmiadzin, Gevorgian Seminary bldg;
20000 Dram - seascape artist Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazosky 1817-1900 | Hovhannes Aivazosky monument in Yerevan, Aivazosky Art Gallery; and
50000 Dram - Saint Gregory the Illuminator 257AD-331AD | Saint Gregory the Illuminator's tombstone in Etchmiadzin.

One Thousand Dram

Dated 2018

Reverse

Two Thousand Dram

Dated 2018

Reverse

Five Thousand Dram

Dated 2018

Reverse

Ten Thousand Dram

Dated 2018

Reverse

Twenty Thousand Dram

Dated 2018

Reverse

Fifty Thousand Dram

Add caption

Reverse

Footnote:
Armenia is the only second country that has issued all its banknotes printed on Hybrid materials. Bermuda was the first in 2009.