Continent:
Eurasia
Denomination: 100,000
Dram
Year:
2009
Grade:
Uncirculated
Face Value (as at
2013.01.23): about USD246.65
Pick:
54
Dimension: 160 mm x 72 mm
Dimension: 160 mm x 72 mm
Figure
(Obverse): Abgar V of Edessa
Figure
(Reverse): St. Thaddeus transferring the image of Christ to Abgar V of Edessa
Interesting
Fact: Having received this splendid banknote on the day of our 2nd wedding anniversary is really great. Personally I think this note should have been a runaway winner of Banknote of 2009; instead the honor goes to the 2-dollar note from Bermuda. It's also beautiful, of course, but I like the Bermuda banknotes as a set (Flora & Fauna) rather than a standalone note from the series. What I find especially interesting is the back side of the 100,000 Dram note, which depicts St. Thaddeus transferring a portrait of the Christ painted from life to Abgar V. Quoting Wikipedia, "...As the legend later expanded, this portrait, purportedly painted by the court archivist Hannan during his visit to Jesus, is first mentioned in the Syriac text called the "Doctrine of Addai" (or Doctrina Addai; the name Addaei or Addaeus = Thaddaeus or Thaddeus), from the second half of the 4th century. Here it is said that the reply of Jesus was given not in writing, but orally, and that the event took place in 32 AD. This Teaching of Addai is also the earliest account of an image of Jesus painted from life, enshrined by the ailing King Abgar V in one of his palaces." Would be interesting if I could learn more on this.
