Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Dram 2004, KM# 11, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Gandzasar Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
  • 5 Dram 2004, KM# 11, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Gandzasar Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Description

The Republic of Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, was a de facto independent republic in the South Caucasus that declared independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 amidst the collapse of the Soviet Union. Predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians, Artsakh maintained a self-governed status, supported politically and militarily by Armenia, despite lacking international recognition. Its capital was Stepanakert, and its culture and governance were deeply tied to Armenian traditions and history. The region was a focal point of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, culminating in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and subsequent tensions. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained control over the territory, prompting a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, effectively ending Artsakh’s existence as an autonomous entity.

Obverse

Coat of arms of the Republic of Artsakh.

The emblem of the Republic of Artsakh consists of an eagle wearing an ornamented crown. On the chest of the eagle is a shield with a panorama of a mountain range and under it a vertically set Flag of Artsakh. Over this are the two stone heads of "Granny and Gramps" (Տատիկ և Պապիկ, Tatik yev Papik) from the We Are Our Mountains monument in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. The eagle's feet clutch various agricultural products including wheat and grapes. The outer rim is made up of a golden circular ribbon bearing inscription "Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի Հանրապետություն-Արցախ" ("Artsakh Republic of Mountainous Karabakh") in Eastern Armenian. In the eagle's talons are various agricultural products including wheat and grapes.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH
ԼԵՌՆԱՅԻՆ ՂԱՐԱԲԱՂԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ
ԱՐՑԱԽ
REPUBLIC

Reverse

Depicts Gandzasar Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Madakert district, value above and date below.

Gandzasar Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a 10th to 13th century Albanian Apostolical monastery. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and his father St Zechariah. Gandzasar is now the seat of the Archbishop of Artsakh appointed by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

5 DRAM
2004

Edge

5 Dram

Gandzasar Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

KM# 11
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 4.5 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness 1.74 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kremnica Mint (MK)

Related coins

Tatik-Papik

Aluminium Bronze, 4.5 g, ⌀ 22 mm