This post-Soviet Armenian banknote represents the 2nd denomination of the Dram (Series 1993). The Armenian Dram was introduced on 22 November 1993, as a replacement for the Soviet and Russian Ruble. Which served as the national currency of Armenia, after the collapse of the Soviet Union (1922-1991).
Armenia was amongst the last former Soviet republics to adopt its own currency. The Dram replaced the Soviet Ruble at a rate of 200 Rubles to 1 Dram. Due to it's relatively later adoption, Armenia avoided using a transitional currency. Since it's adoption the Dram has proven to be relatively stable. On 4 January 2004, the First Series was superseded by the Second Series Dram.
Observe
The observe features a lion relief, taken from the ancient Erebuni Fortress. Atablet written in Urartian cuneiform, is depicted on the upper-center. The header above reads, "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ԿԵՆՏՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ԲԱՆԿ". It's unique Armenian script translates to the "Central Bank of Armenia". To the lower left of the header is the note' serial number "իս 12873942" (IS 12873942).
Below the Urartian tablet, is a decorative design. The text printed on it reads "25 քսանհինգ դրամ", representing the note's 25 Dram face value. This same value is repeated on the left, in reddish-ochre vertical text. Notably the beforementioned center design, splits a pair of signature. The left signature represents the Central Bank Chairman. While the right represents the Minister of Finance.
Moving toward the note's right, is the watermark area. At its top is a large number "25", representing the note's face value. Followed by the note's "1993" print date. At the bottom is a security stamp, featuring a guilloché pattern. A latent image of a number "25" can be faintly made out.
Reverse
The reverse features an arch, in a style seen in Armenian Orthodox churches. The header above "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ԿԵՆՏՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ԲԱՆԿ", representing the "Central Bank of Armenia". Below the illustration are three floral patterns. The colorful center pattern represents the note's face value in text. While the two patterns beside it feature number "25"s.
The watermark area repeats this same face value, at its top. Notably backlighting the note, with bright light will expose the note's watermark. Similar to most post-Soviet banknote, the note features a full surface watermark. The watermark is a crude outline of the Armenian Coat of Arms.
Size Comparison
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 125 x 62 mm or 4.92 x 2.44 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side-opening sleeves, cut to size.
The Armenian Dram ISO code was AMD, it used both ֏ and դր. as symbols.
The Armenian Dram is subdivided into 100 Luma, coins are in Luma and Dram values.
The Dram receives it name from medieval Armenian silver coins, issued from 1199-1375 CE.