October 20th, 2011 Collector coins “The Kecharis Cross-Stone”, “The Sanahin Cross-Stone”, “The Gndevank Cross-Stone”, “The Goshavank Cross-Stone”, “The Etchmiadzin Cross-Stone” and “The Noravank Cross-Stone”have been issued by the Central Bank of Armenia under the International Numismatic Program “Cross-Stones of Armenia”.

Specifications of the coins
Face value 1000 dram
Metal Silver 925
Shape Square 27x44mm
Quality Unicirculated (antique finish)
Insert compound marble
Weight 25 gr
Edge Reeded
Issue quantity up to 2.500 pcs
Minted by “Coin Invest Trust” (Liechtenstein) company.

The Kecharis Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Kecharis Monastery. The cross-stones make constituent part of the Kecharis monastic complex and attach gracefulness to it. The cross-stones of this Monastery are marked out by a stepped pedestal engraved at the bottom and a cornice framing the top.

The Sanahin Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Sanahin Monastery. The cross-stone was created by Grigor Touteordi (1184). It is placed at the north wall of the S. Haroutiun Church. More than 50 cross-stones have been preserved in Sanahin, of which the cross-stone by Grigor Touteordi is especially valuable and is considered one of the best samples of the stone craftsmanship of Armenia of the Middle Ages.

The Goshavank Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Goshavank Monastery. This cross-stone is one of the three embroidered cross-stones authored by Master Poghos. The fine rosace and the elegant palmette formed by multi-string crocheted wide ribbons on both stone wings make this cross-stone noticeable.

The Gndevank Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Gndevank Monastery. The Gndevank Monastery has cross-stones and gravestones of 10-16 centuries. Small right-angled cross-stones widely spread in Vayots Dzor can also be found in the courtyard of the Monastery. The upper and lower parts of the crosses of these stones are decorated with luxurious palmette. 

The Etchmiadzin Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Holy Etchmiadzin monastic complex. The cross of this cross-stone is decorated by grapes bunches and palm leaves. At the bottom of the cross-stone is a stepped pedestal, palmette and a prominent rosace, which gives start to a palm and a cross. The smaller rоsaces above the horizontal cross wings symbolize the sun and the moon, and the rosace on the top of the cross depicts a star.

The Noravank Cross-Stone
The collector coin dedicated to the cross-stone of the Noravank Monastery. Many cross-stones can be found inside the Noravank monastic complex. Some of them stand out for their perfect technique and creative integrity and thus can be considered the symbols of the stone craftsmanship.

Source of information: Central Bank of Armenia www.cba.am