Formerly a Rebuplic of the USSR, Armenia became an independent Republic in 1991 and a member of the United Nations in March 1992. This commemorative coin, denomination 100 drams, and issued by the Central Bank of Armenia, is devoted to the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations. The reverse design incorporates the UN 50 emblem and a scene from tympanum of the western portal of the church of the Blessed Virgin (1321) in the village Areni, and two "Khachkars" (cross-stones). The design symbolises the year 301 AD, when Armenia became the first country in the world to embrace Christianity as its state religion. The design and creation of this commemorative coin was by an engraver of the Royal Mint.