Armenia 5 oz Silver Noahs Ark 2012

The 2012 Armenia 5 oz Silver Noah’s Ark coin is a stunning bullion issue that combines impressive size, investment-grade silver content, and one of the most symbolic and meaningful designs in modern world coinage. Part of the popular Noah’s Ark series first introduced in 2011, this issue was struck in .999 fine silver under the authority of the Central Bank of Armenia and produced by the Leipziger Edelmetallverarbeitung (LEV) in Germany, a facility renowned for its high-quality precious metals manufacturing. The Noah’s Ark series quickly established itself as one of the leading modern bullion programs, with a distinctive theme drawn from both Armenian national identity and a universally recognized biblical story. The 2012 five-ounce release embodies both beauty and substance, offering collectors and investors a coin that carries cultural depth alongside tangible wealth.

The obverse of the coin features the official coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia, a design rich in heraldic symbolism. At the center is a shield quartered with four emblems: the lion and cross for the Bagratuni dynasty, the double-headed eagle for the Arsacid dynasty, the lion with a cross for the Rubenid dynasty, and the two eagles for the Artaxiad dynasty. These dynastic symbols emphasize Armenia’s long and storied history. Behind the shield, an eagle and lion act as supporters, with Mount Ararat depicted faintly in the background—a sacred symbol of Armenian heritage. Encircling the design are inscriptions in both Armenian and English: “REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA” and “ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ.” Below the coat of arms appear the coin’s specifications: “5 oz,” “SILVER,” “999,” and the denomination “1000 DRAM.” On a pristine example, the intricate engraving is crisp and precise, with mirrored fields contrasting beautifully against frosted devices.

The reverse of the coin showcases the striking Noah’s Ark design, created by Eduard Kurghinyan, which has become the hallmark of this bullion series. Dominating the background is Mount Ararat with its twin peaks, a symbol inseparable from Armenian identity and tradition. At the mountain’s base rests Noah’s Ark, shown floating on rising floodwaters. In the foreground, a dove with outstretched wings carries an olive branch in its beak, symbolizing hope, renewal, and peace. Radiant sunbeams break through the sky, adding to the scene’s sense of drama and promise. The inscriptions “NOAH’S ARK” appear in both English and Armenian, uniting the biblical and cultural themes. On a five-ounce coin, the larger canvas allows the artistry to shine, with fine details such as the feathers of the dove and the planks of the Ark rendered in exceptional clarity.

Struck in .999 fine silver, the 2012 Noah’s Ark 5 oz coin contains five troy ounces of pure silver, making it a substantial piece both physically and monetarily. The larger size allows for a more impressive presence compared to the more common one-ounce version, offering collectors a chance to appreciate the design on a grander scale. The coin measures 60 mm in diameter, giving the engravings room to breathe and enhancing the visual impact of the biblical imagery. As an investment-grade bullion coin, it also carries a face value of 1000 Drams, though its intrinsic silver content far exceeds its nominal denomination.

The 2012 issue is part of the second year of the Noah’s Ark series, which had already gained global attention after its launch in 2011. Annual mintages are not always disclosed in detail, but production numbers were limited compared to mass-produced bullion programs such as the American Silver Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf. This relative scarcity, combined with the coin’s distinctive Armenian theme, has made early issues like the 2012 release particularly collectible. The five-ounce denomination, struck in smaller quantities than the one-ounce coins, adds further appeal to collectors who enjoy large-format silver coins.

Condition is an important consideration for these coins. Most examples were sold in protective capsules, which helped preserve their brilliant, prooflike finish. A well-kept 2012 five-ounce Noah’s Ark remains lustrous, with sharp relief and smooth, reflective fields that accentuate the contrast between frosted and mirrored elements. XF or circulated examples are rare, as these were primarily marketed to investors and collectors who stored them carefully. As a result, most specimens available today remain in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, showing no significant wear but possibly minor contact marks or handling abrasions from mint packaging and distribution.

The cultural significance of the Noah’s Ark series adds to its numismatic value. Armenia has long identified Mount Ararat as a national symbol, even though the mountain itself lies just outside its modern borders in present-day Turkey. The story of Noah’s Ark, which according to biblical tradition came to rest upon Mount Ararat after the floodwaters subsided, resonates deeply with Armenian cultural identity. By choosing this theme for their bullion program, the Central Bank of Armenia ensured that the coin series carried both national pride and universal religious symbolism, appealing to collectors across the world regardless of background.

From an investment perspective, the 2012 Armenia 5 oz Noah’s Ark silver coin offers both intrinsic and collectible value. The five-ounce silver weight provides a significant bullion holding, while the early-year issue of the series adds scarcity. Collectors of world bullion coins often focus on the first few years of a series, and the 2012 five-ounce issue fits firmly into this category. Its combination of artistry, silver content, and symbolic depth ensures continued demand among both investors and numismatists. Certified examples graded by NGC or PCGS are less common but add reassurance of authenticity and condition for those seeking premium-quality pieces.

In conclusion, the 2012 Armenia 5 oz Silver Noah’s Ark is an impressive and meaningful bullion coin that blends artistry, cultural symbolism, and investment appeal. With its detailed coat of arms on the obverse and its dramatic biblical imagery on the reverse, it captures both Armenia’s heritage and a story with universal resonance. Struck in five troy ounces of .999 fine silver, it offers substantial presence and enduring value. As part of the early issues in a now well-established series, it remains a prized addition to collections of world bullion, sought for both its beauty and its significance.