Armenian Central Bank issues collector coin to mark 125th birth anniversary of Alex Manoogian

Central Bank of Armenia press release 

On June 16, 2026, the Central Bank of Armenia will put into circulation the “125th birth anniversary of Alex Manoogian” gold collector coin, honoring the renowned Armenian-American businessman and great benefactor.

Alex Manoogian (1901–1996) was born in Kasaba, near by Smyrna (Izmir). He worked in a variety of jobs while studying in the local Armenian school, and upon graduation, he had gained solid entrepreneurial experience.

In 1920, he moved to the United States and by 1924 had settled in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked in a number of factories producing machine parts.

In 1929, he founded his own enterprise, Masco Corporation, which at first produced parts for the auto industry and later became internationally known for the Delta single-handle faucet and plumbing fixtures.         

He joined the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in 1930 and served as its president from 1953 to 1989, succeeded by his daughter Louise Simone.

In 1942, he founded the “Alex and Marie Manoogian Foundation” with his spouse, Marie Manoogian, and provided substantial funding for Armenian programs in many countries: Armenia, the USA, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, the Netherlands, France, Lebanon, Jerusalem, Iran, and Australia. Significant investments went toward the building and renovation of churches, schools, cultural centers, libraries, nursing homes, the establishment of Armenian Studies departments in universities, and the support of youth organizations.

For his philanthropic contributions, he received numerous international awards and honors, and honorary doctorate degrees from several universities. In 1994, he was awarded the title of National Hero of Armenia and the Order of Motherland. Schools and streets have been named after him in Armenia and many cities around the world.

The remains of the great benefactor and his spouse rest in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – in front of the “Alex and Marie Manoogian” Treasury-House built through their beneficence.

Obverse: the monument symbolizing the collective image of an Armenian benefactor (“Alley of Armenian Benefactors” memorial complex, author: F. Arakelyan), the inscriptions “ԵՐԱԽՏԱՊԱՐՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ” (“Gratitude” in Armenian) and “GRATITUDE”.

Reverse: Alex Manoogian’s portrait and signature.

Designers: Haroutiun Samuelian (obverse), Vardan Vardanyan (reverse).

The coin is minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.

Technical specification

Face value                10 000 dram

Metal/fineness           gold 9000

Weight                    8,6 g

Diameter                 22,0 mm

Quality                    proof

Edge                       ribbed

Quantity of issue        300 pcs

Notice

Collector coins are made of precious metals and are issued to present to the society the national, international, historical and cultural, spiritual and other values of the country, to immortalize these values in the metal and to meet the demands of the numismatic market.

Like any other currency the collector coins have face value which makes them the means of payment. However, the face value of these coins is much lower that their cost price which includes the cost of the precious metal used for manufacturing of the coin, mintage and other expenses. Low face value and high-cost price allow these coins to be considered as the items of collection and not the means of payment used in money circulation. The collector coins have also the sale price set by the Central Bank of Armenia.

As the items of collection, the collector coins are issued in very restricted quantities and are not reissued.

Numismatists, collectors and all interested persons can buy the Armenian collector coins in the sales salon “Numismatist” which is in the building of the Central Bank of Armenia and is open for everyone. You can find the prices for numismatic items presented in the “Numismatist” sales salon at the following link.