1 oz Armenian Noah's Ark Silver Coin (Gilded/Colorized Modification)
Bullion Coin (Numismatic Modification) · Yellow Gold plating over a Silver substrate; identified by 'Ag 999' stamp on the face.
Purity: 24K Gold Gilded (Surface Only). Base metal is 99.9% Fine Silver (Ag 999).
Type
Bullion Coin (Numismatic Modification)
Purity
24K Gold Gilded (Surface Only). Base metal is 99.9% Fine Silver (Ag 999).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a Silver substrate; identified by 'Ag 999' stamp on the face.
Weight
31.1 grams (1 Troy Ounce)
Description
An aesthetically enhanced version of the popular Armenian Noah's Ark bullion coin. While the base is pure silver, this specific iteration features high-purity gold gilding on the Armenian Coat of Arms and a striking red colorized field, elevating it from a standard bullion piece to a collector's 'art coin'.
Key Features
Selective 24K gilding, high-relief appearance due to color contrast, and the official Armenian coat of arms featuring the eagle and lion.
Color & Finish
Brilliant uncirculated silver with selective 24K yellow gold gilding and a deep red/maroon enamel or colorized background inlay.
Hallmarks & Stamps
1 Oz Ag 999 (indicating 1 ounce of .999 silver), 500 Dram (denomination), Republic of Armenia, and the year 2023.
Dimensions Estimate
38.6 mm diameter; 2.8 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features a colorized resin or enamel inlay in red behind the coat of arms.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (milled edge) characteristic of government-issued bullion coins.
Chain & Links
Standard bullion coin construction with a reeded edge to prevent clipping or counterfeiting.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck by Geiger Edelmetalle, known for some of the highest quality finishes in the industry; secondary colorization applied via pad printing or enamel wash.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Ag 999' stamp is the primary indicator that this is a silver coin with a gold coating, not solid gold. Weight and diameter match Geiger Edelmetalle specifications.
Origin & Maker
Armenia (Issuing Country); Manufactured by Geiger Edelmetalle (Germany) for the Central Bank of Armenia.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2023 production).
Age Estimate
Dated 2023; modern production.
Cultural Significance
The reverse (unseen) depicts the biblical Noah's Ark; the obverse shown features the Armenian Coat of Arms representing the four historical Armenian kingdoms.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition; the gilding and colorization are intact with no visible oxidation on the silver.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued by its silver melt weight plus a significant 'collector premium' for the secondary market colorization (Approx. $40-$60 USD).
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish or dips as they will strip the gold gilding and damage the colorized inlay. Store in an airtight acrylic capsule.
Similar Items
Standard 1oz Silver Noah's Ark (non-gilded), 1oz Silver American Eagle (Colorized), or 1/4 oz Gold Noah's Ark (solid gold).
Interesting Facts
The Noah's Ark series is the first investment grade bullion coin issued by the Central Bank of Armenia, first appearing in 2011.