Armenia issues silver commemorative coin to mark hosting COP17

A silver commemorative coin dedicated to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), to be held in Yerevan this month, was unveiled at the Central Bank of Armenia on 5 October.

It joins a series of commemorative and collector coins issued over the years celebrating Armenia’s natural environment.

The coin, with a face value of 1,000 drams, is made of 925-fineness silver and was minted by the Royal Dutch Mint in a limited issue of just 300 pieces. It weighs 33.6 grams, has a diameter of 40 mm, a proof finish and a reeded edge.

The obverse features Armenia’s coat of arms and a stylised tricolour. The reverse bears the COP17 logo, depicting a stylised Yerevan blue butterfly, and the inscriptions “COP17, YEREVAN, ARMENIA” and “TAKING ACTION FOR NATURE”.

The commemorative coin, certificate of authenticity and information booklet are made from recycled materials. The designs are by Anna Kurghinyan.

Presenting the coin, Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan said this was the first time the Central Bank had unveiled a commemorative coin made from recycled silver, with the entire production process powered exclusively by solar energy, without the use of gas or other biofuels.

“Hosting COP17 in Armenia is particularly significant. It will turn our country into a platform for important international discussions, bringing together representatives of states, international organisations, the expert community and civil society around biodiversity conservation and a responsible approach to nature. By issuing this commemorative coin, the Central Bank wishes to make a symbolic contribution to recognising the significance of this important event. Commemorative coins have more than numismatic value: they also bear witness to their time, recording significant events in our country’s history, culture and public life. This issue is another such memorable symbol. It embodies the ideas of nature conservation, the importance of biodiversity and our shared responsibility towards future generations,” Galstyan said.

He expressed confidence that hosting COP17 in Armenia would help deepen international cooperation, establish new partnerships and strengthen the country’s role in the biodiversity conservation agenda.

Armenian Minister of Environment and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan said a number of initiatives and events had been carried out alongside preparations for this globally significant event, scheduled for 17–30 October.

“I think both the issue of the commemorative coin and today’s event are symbolic, with the latter serving as a concluding event before the official opening of COP17. This is also the first Armenian commemorative coin minted in compliance with environmental standards. As part of our symbolic heritage, I believe it will have a distinctive place in our history. I wish for all our future activities and work to be in keeping with COP17’s slogan, ‘Taking Action for Nature’,” Matevosyan said.

Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Robert Abisoghomonyan said the coin symbolised both the forthcoming important international event and Armenia’s responsibility to preside over a multilateral process of global significance and help strengthen international cooperation.

“In recent years, the Republic of Armenia has adopted a positive, forward-looking agenda in multilateral forums. I believe COP17 offers another opportunity to present Armenia as a responsible, proactive and reliable international partner, ready both to participate in global agendas and to lead them. In the coming days, Yerevan will become an important platform for multilateral diplomacy. Representatives of states, international organisations, civil society, academia, young people, women and the private sector will meet here to discuss an issue that has long extended beyond environmental concerns and affects our everyday lives, including food and water security, healthcare, the economy and, ultimately, the resilience of societies. This is precisely why Armenia attaches importance to raising biodiversity issues, including at the political level. The ‘Leaders for Nature’ summit preceding COP17 is therefore intended to complement the event and give it additional political impetus,” Abisoghomonyan said.

According to the deputy minister, commemorative coins preserve the memory of their time. Years from now, this coin will serve as a reminder both that Yerevan hosted COP17 in 2026 and that it became a platform for dialogue, cooperation and joint action.

The Convention on Biological Diversity, one of three global environmental conventions, coordinates international efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity, ensure environmental sustainability and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The Convention’s highest decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties, or COP, brings together its 196 member countries every two years to jointly develop implementation mechanisms and ensure their delivery. By hosting COP17, Armenia will assume the presidency of the Convention until 2028.

The official COP17 logo features the Yerevan blue butterfly (Polyommatus eriwanensis), an endemic species listed in Armenia’s Red Book.