PRESS RELEASE
02.10.2026
Issuance of a new collector coin of the Republic of Armenia
On October 5, 2026, the Central Bank of Armenia puts into circulation “COP17” silver collector coin dedicated to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
COP17: collector coin dedicated to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity is one of the three global environmental conventions, coordinating international efforts to conserve biodiversity, ensure environmental sustainability, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Its Conference of the Parties (COP) is the Convention’s highest decision-making body, meeting biennially with 196 Parties to advance implementation.
Armenia hosts COP17 in 2026 and holds the presidency until 2028, entrusted with advancing international efforts to address the pressing environmental challenges facing humanity.
The offcial COP17 logo features the Yerevan blue butterfly (Polyommatus eriwanensis), an endemic species listed in the Red Book of Armenia.
Obverse: the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia and a stylized tricolor flag.
Reverse: the COP17 logo, depicting a stylized “Yerevan Blue” butterfly, the inscriptions “COP17, YEREVAN, ARMENIA” and “TAKING ACTION FOR NATURE”.
Designer: Anna Kurghinyan.
The coin is minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.
Technical specification
| Face value |
1000 dram |
| Metal/fineness |
silver 9250 |
| Weight |
33,6 g |
| Diameter |
40,0 mm |
| Quality |
proof |
| Edge |
ribbed |
| Quantity of issue |
300 pcs |
| Year of issue |
2026 |
The “COP17” collector coin, certificate of authenticity, and information booklet are made from recycled materials.
Notice
Collector coins are made of precious metals and are issued to present to the society the national, international, historical and cultural, spiritual and other values of the country, to immortalize these values in the metal and to meet the demands of the numismatic market.
Like any other currency the collector coins have face value which makes them the means of payment. However, the face value of these coins is much lower that their cost price which includes the cost of the precious metal used for manufacturing of the coin, mintage and other expenses. Low face value and high cost price allow these coins to be considered as the items of collection and not the means of payment used in money circulation. The collector coins have also the sale price set by the Central Bank of Armenia.
As the items of collection the collector coins are issued in very restricted quantities and are not reissued.
Numismatists, collectors and all interested persons can buy the Armenian collector coins in the sales salon
“Numismatist” which is in the building of the Central Bank of Armenia and is open for everyone.
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CBA Public Relations Service
Tel.: (374-10) 592592-0702
E-mail:
mcba@cba.am
www.cba.am