November 22 - 23rd anniversary of introduction of Armenian Dram

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Today, on November 22, the Banker’s Day is celebrated in Armenia, as well as the 23rd anniversary of introducing the Armenian dram – the monetary unit of Armenia.

The Central Bank told ARMENPRESS 11 thousand people are currently employed in the banking system of Armenia.

November 22 has a symbolic place in history, because it was on this day back in 1993 when the national currency of the newly independent Armenia was introduced.

On 22 November 1993, banknotes of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dram were issued.

The Visitor Center of the Central Bank exhibits the currency history of Armenia, starting from Armenian drams – coins of Sophene, Commagene and Artashes dynasty, up to modern banknotes, coins, commemorative notes and medals.

“The center presents the entire history of money – beginning from the pre-dram period up to present day. The exhibition starts from Athenian coins of 5th century B.C. All exhibits are the originals which have been discovered during excavations on the territory of Armenia. He first Armenian coins date back to the Armenian Kingdoms of Tsopk (Sophene) and Commagene 3rd century B.C.”, Head of the Central Bank’s visitors’ center Zaurhi Barseghyan told ARMENPRESS.

The word "dram" translates into English as "money" and is cognate with the Greekdrachma.

The first series of the Armenian dram were issues on November 22, 1993, followed by the second series – which are still used. Armenian dram banknotes portray cultural figures.

Barseghyan says there is growing interest towards the CB center. This year an estimated 8000 people will visit the center in Yerevan, meanwhile in Stepanakert (NKR) a mobile exhibition has been organized and 3000 people visited it.