Armenian Currency

The Armenian dram (AMD) became the official currency of the Republic of Armenia on November 22, 1993, succeeding the Soviet ruble. Subdivided into 100 luma, the dram's name, meaning "money," links to the Greek drachma, Arabic dirham, and English dram. The Central Bank of Armenia manages dram issuance, circulation, and monetary policy. As of January 13, 2024, 1 US dollar equals 404.42 Armenian dram. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000 to 100,000 AMD, and coins come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 AMD .

1000 AMD (obverse and reverse sides)

A national referendum on September 21, 1991, declared Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union, granting the Central Bank of Armenia the exclusive right to issue the national currency, established on March 27, 1993.

100,000 AMD (obverse and reverse sides)

The Armenian dram sign, symbolized by ֏, divides into 100 luma. The word dram means “money” and is cognate with the Greek drachma and the Arabic dirham, as well as the English weight unit dram.

Banknotes have undergone different series, with the first series issued in November 1993, withdrawn by 2005, and a second series introduced from 1998 onwards, still in use. The third series, initiated in 2018, maintains previous denominations, introduces the 2,000 dram banknote, reissues the 50,000 dram banknote, and excludes 50, 100, 500, and 100,000 dram banknotes.

Central Bank periodically issues commemorative banknotes to mark particular events.

A commemorative ֏50,000 note was issued on 4 June 2001 in commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia

A 500 dram commemorative note was issued on 22 November 2017 to commemorate the story of Noah's Ark. And to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Armenia's national currency.

500 dram commemorative note (obverse and reverse sides)

The Armenian dram stands not only as a medium of exchange but also as a reflection of Armenia's rich cultural tapestry. From its historical roots to the intricate designs on banknotes and coins, the dram encapsulates the spirit of a nation that cherishes its past while navigating the complexities of the modern economic landscape.