March 29, 2018 – At the 2018 High Security Printing (HSP) Conference in Warsaw, the G+D Armenian 500 dram collector’s note, which features Noah’s Ark as its main motif, was selected as Regional Banknote of the Year for the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).
The banknote’s obverse depicts 4th century Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is said to house a fragment of Noah’s Ark.
With this collector’s note, the oldest Christian country on Earth commemorates the ship in which, according to the Old Testament, Noah’s family and all the animals were saved from a biblical flood, before coming ashore on Mount Ararat. Noah’s Ark is not just a symbol of the salvation and rebirth of humanity. It is also a symbol of Armenian history, which is deeply rooted in European culture. We are proud and grateful to be able to provide support and assistance to the Armenian Central Bank in this project, which is so important for the country,” commented Dr. Wolfram Seidemann, Chairman of G+D Currency Technology.
The reverse side shows the Ark, Noah and his family as well as some animals which found shelter.
The 500 dram note is Armenia’s first collector’s note and is already enjoying plenty of interest both in Armenia and internationally. The “Galaxy(R)”, “LaserCut(TM)” and “RollingStar(R) LEAD” security elements which are harmoniously integrated into the overall layout and substrate enable quick and unambiguous verification through their distinctive color effects. The color shift from gold to green is dynamic and eye-catching. The high gloss depicts the value of gold. The motif of Noah’s Ark is included multiple times in the note: as a watermark; within the LaserCut(TM) window, where it can be seen when light shines through it; and on the front of the note, which depicts the shrine which is said to contain a fragment of Noah’s Ark according to the tradition of the Armenian church. The wooden plank with a cross above it is created using the RollingStar(R) LEAD optically variable effect from G+D subsidiary Louisenthal, and looks brilliant and stunning. This security feature is based on microscopically small mirrors that are linked with other optically variable effects. The Galaxy(R) security thread combines a dynamic color shift from gold to green with a striking 3D effect that can be seen from any tilting angle – it is even identifiable in poor light and without specialist training. Its optical and dynamic effects are synchronized with those of RollingStar(R) LEAD. In addition, it is Armenia’s first denomination to be based on the Hybrid(TM) substrate from the Louisenthal paper mill. Hybrid banknotes are particularly resistant, as both sides of the cotton substrate are covered with polyester foils, protecting the notes. At the same time, they have the same familiar feeling as banknotes made from cotton paper.
Following successes in 2015 and 2017, this is the third time that a product from G+D Currency Technology has received the renowned Regional Banknote of the Year award.
If you want to know why the Ark is so important to Armenian history, please consult our numismatic diary about the trip to Iran.
And if you do not remember Noah’s story you can either read the bible or listen to this marvelous (old) song about Noah who found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Visit the G+D website.