The Currency of Armenia Guide

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Banknote Lot
Credit: pexels.com, Banknote Lot

The currency of Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD), which is the official currency of the country. The Armenian Dram is subdivided into 100 smaller units called lums.

You can exchange your money for Armenian Dram at various currency exchange offices throughout the country, or withdraw it from ATMs. Many banks and currency exchange offices are located in major cities like Yerevan and Gyumri.

The Armenian Dram is available in various denominations, including 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Dram notes. Coins are also available in denominations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 Drams.

You can also use credit and debit cards in Armenia, with many businesses accepting major international cards like Visa and Mastercard.

History and List of Currencies

The currency of Armenia has a rich history that spans centuries. The first instance of a "dram" currency was in the period from 1199 to 1375, when silver coins called dram or tram were issued.

Silver Round Coins on Banknote
Credit: pexels.com, Silver Round Coins on Banknote

Armenia's journey to a modern currency was marked by various attempts to localize the Russian ruble. A series of attempts to maintain a common currency among CIS states followed, but it soon became clear that this would be difficult in the unstable post-Soviet states.

The Ruble Zone effectively collapsed in 1993, prompting Armenia and other CIS participants to introduce separate currencies. Armenia was one of the last countries to do so, introducing the dram on 22 November 1993.

List of Currencies

Armenia has a rich history of currency use, and it's fascinating to see how the country has transitioned from one currency to another over time.

The country has used a variety of currencies, including the dram coins and takvorin coins, which are no longer in circulation.

One of the most significant currencies in Armenia's history is the Transcaucasian ruble, which was used in the early 20th century. There were two versions of this currency: the First Transcaucasian ruble and the Second Transcaucasian ruble.

From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table
Credit: pexels.com, From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table

The Soviet ruble was also widely used in Armenia, as the country was part of the Soviet Union. After the Soviet Union dissolved, Armenia adopted the Russian ruble as part of the CIS monetary union.

Here's a list of the currencies that have been used in Armenia:

  • Dram coins
  • Takvorin coins
  • First Transcaucasian ruble
  • Armenian ruble
  • Second Transcaucasian ruble
  • Soviet ruble
  • Russian ruble (CIS monetary union)
  • Armenian dram
  • Artsakh dram

Today, the Armenian dram is the official currency of Armenia, and it's widely accepted in the country.

History

The history of the Armenian dram is a fascinating story that dates back to 1199, when silver coins called dram or tram were first issued. This early currency was used for over two centuries.

The dram continued to be produced until the modern era, with various attempts to localize the Russian ruble under the Soviet Union and Commonwealth of Independent States. Armenia was one of the last countries to maintain the ruble zone.

Armenia joined the ruble zone after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but it soon became clear that maintaining a currency union in the unstable post-Soviet states would be very difficult. The Ruble Zone effectively collapsed in 1993.

The Central Bank of Armenia was established on March 27, 1993, and was given the exclusive right to issue the national currency. This marked a significant step towards Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union.

On November 22, 1993, Armenia finally introduced its own currency, the dram, bringing an end to its use of the ruble.

Maggie Morar

Senior Assigning Editor

Maggie Morar is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in business and finance, she has developed a unique expertise in covering investor relations news and updates for prominent companies. Her extensive experience has taken her through a wide range of industries, from telecommunications to media and retail.

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