Armenian Dram Information

The dram (Armenian: Դրամ; sign: ; code: AMD) is the monetary unit of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. It is subdivided into 100 luma (Armenian: լումա). The word "dram" translates into English as "money" and is cognate with the Greek drachma. The Central Bank of Armenia has the exclusive right of issuing the national currency according to Armenian law.

History

The first instance of a dram currency in Armenia was in the period from 1199 to 1375, when silver coins called dram were issued.

On 21 September 1991 a national referendum proclaimed Armenia as an independent republic from the Soviet Union. The Central Bank of Armenia was adopted on 27 March 1993, under the governorship of Isahak Isahakyan. However the old Soviet banknotes were legal tender until November 1993. The modern dram came into effect on 22 November 1993, at a rate of 200 rubles = 1 dram (1 USD : 377 AMD). The dram is not pegged to any other currency.

Coins

In 1994, coins were introduced by the Central Bank of Armenia in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 luma, 1, 3, 5 and 10 dram. All were struck in aluminium. In 2003 and 2004, a new coinage ^[1] consisting of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dram coins was introduced. The 10 dram is struck in aluminium, the 20 dram in copper-plated steel, the 50 dram in brass-plated steel, 100 dram in nickel-plated steel and 200 dram in brass. The 500 dram coin is bimetallic with a brass outer ring and cupronickel centre.

The Central Bank also produces commemorative coins. [1] [2]

Banknotes

In 1993, banknotes of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dram were issued. Notes for 1000 and 5000 dram were put into circulation on October 24, 1994 and September 1995, respectively. In 1999, a 20,000 dram note was issued, whilst a commemorative 50,000 dram note was issued in 2001 to observe the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia. 10,000 dram notes were introduced in 2003.

Banknotes currently in circulation ^[2] are

• 1000 dram
• 5000 dram
• 10,000 dram
• 20,000 dram
• 50,000 dram
• 100,000 dram

In addition, the following banknotes are no longer legal tender (since April 1, 2004) but may be exchanged at banks: 10, 25, 50 and 100 drams. The 1993 500-dram banknote has also ceased to be legal tender since September 1, 2005, but there is a 1999 500-dram banknote that is still in circulation. ^[3]

Banknotes of 1993-1995 series (out of circulation)

The banknotes issued in 1993-1995 were put out of circulation after 2005.

Banknotes of 1998 series

The banknotes of 50, 100 and 500 dram are currently put out of circulation and replaced by coins with respective values. The banknote of 50,000 dram was issued in 2001 in commemoration of 1700 years of Christianity in Armenia.

Money supply

Currency in circulation has shown steady growth since first issue in 1993.^[5]

Note: Rates obtained from these websites may be slightly different from the rates the Central Bank of Armenia publishes

See also

• Armenian dram sign
• Economy of Armenia

References

1. ^ http://www.cba.am/CBA_SITE/currency/acirc_coins.html?__locale=en
2. ^ http://www.cba.am/curmenu.asp?curleft=2
3. ^ http://www.cba.am/curmenu.asp?curleft=2
4. ^ Բիզնես 24 - Հայկական Բիզնես Օրաթերթ, 24/08/09
5. ^ CENTRAL BANK OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

• Krause, Chester L. and Clifford Mishler (1991). Standard Catalog of World Coins: 1801–1991 (18th ed. ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 0873411501.
• Pick, Albert (1994). Standard Catalog of World Paper Money: General Issues. Colin R. Bruce II and Neil Shafer (editors) (7th ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-207-9.

External links

• Armemian Dram Sign History, shape, and promotion of Armenian Dram Sign
• Coin Types from Armenia Lists, pictures, and values of Armenian coin types
• Exchange rates against Armenian Dram and detailed history
• LIVE Detailed Armenian Dram Exchange Rates: AMD

Categories:

• Currencies of Asia
• Circulating currencies
• Currency signs
• Currencies of Europe
• Economy of Armenia

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