Numismatics: 3 rubles 1989. Armenia

On December 7, 1988, in Armenia, which at that time was one of the Transcaucasian republics in the USSR, an earthquake of magnitude 7 points occurred.

The shocks were felt all over the Transcaucasia and even Turkey, but the main blow fell through the three cities of Armenia: Spitak, Leninakan and Kirovakan. Spitak turned out to be erased from the face of the earth, and he was rebuilt again. The earthquake claimed life according to official figures of 25 thousand people. The whole world responded and hurried to

Assistance to the Soviet Union. 3 months after the tragedy, it was decided to close the Armenian nuclear power plant. The USSR turned out to be defenseless in the face of the elements, and these tragic minutes of the same winter day became the impetus for the creation of a separate structure under the Ministry of the USSR, which was responsible for "emergency situations." After the collapse of the Union, the structure changed the name to the Russian Ministry of Emergencies.

In 1989, on the first anniversary of the Spitak earthquake, the Leningrad Mint released a three -ruble coin of 3 million circulation. Coins of 3 rubles in 1989 were made of already familiar copper -nickel alloy and in size slightly exceeded Soviet anniversary rubles: weight - 14.35 g, thickness - 2.3 mm and diameter - 33 mm.

The main part of the obverse is given to the coat of arms, behind which in large letters the abbreviation follows: “USSR”, then - the face value “3 rubles” in two lines and the year of release of the 1989 coin.

On the front background of the reverse, the central part is occupied by a hand raised up with a bowl and eternal flame, other hands with the same fire in unison, in general, composing solidarity and support of the Armenian people. Below at the very base of the hands, the date of the tragedy: "12/07/1988". On both sides of the composition, fragments are scattered, symbolizing the destroyed city. Among the wreckage you can find a church bell and columns of buildings. In the background there are mountains, in the form of loose wings of a huge bird. The eternal fire dissects the word: “Armenia”, and the inscription: “zone of earthquake of mercy of creation”, located along the upper Kant, completes the entire composition.

Most coins have a double inscription: “Three rubles”, concluded between the two stars. There are specimens with a smooth gurt.

Note: You can purchase this coin in the store https://kremnica.ru/ in which a rich assortment of anniversary Soviet coins in the best prices in Runet.

2.7 million coins “were published” on December 7, 1989 and had the same walk in face value as ordinary paper three -ruble banknotes. The remaining 300 thousand pieces of coins were released by Proof for collectors in special cellophane seizures. Today, the price of coins from circulation without special signs of wear is 160-190 rubles, coins in the state of Proof (without circulation) are estimated three times more expensive. Coins with a smooth gurt are considered the most expensive.