NBG issues coins to mark 1,700 years of Christianity as state religion

Georgia’s National Bank has issued commemorative gold and silver coins with a face value of 10 GEL to mark the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion of Georgia in 2026, the National Bank reported.

The coin designs were developed by the National Bank in cooperation with the Georgian Patriarchate, while the coins were minted at the Mint of Poland.

Georgia declared Christianity its state religion in 326 AD, an event that had a profound impact on the country’s historical and cultural development. Over the centuries, the Christian faith became one of the main foundations of Georgian identity and played a significant role in shaping the nation’s cultural values and national identity. The historical event is associated with the preaching of St. Nino and the conversion to Christianity of King Mirian and Queen Nana.

The obverse of the coins features a composition depicting St. Nino’s grapevine cross, a symbol of the official adoption of Christianity in Georgia and the Georgian Orthodox Church, alongside a scene representing the mass Christian baptism of the Georgian population.

Three doves in the upper-left section symbolize the Holy Trinity, while the olive branch held in the beak of one of the doves represents the Holy Spirit. The inscription “Georgia — Christian State — 1700” runs along the upper edge of the coin, while a stylized “1700” anniversary numeral appears beneath the cross.

On the silver coin, the cross is rendered in relief using a new technology that creates a wood-like texture, while the stylized “1700” is gold-colored.

The reverse features Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a symbol of the strength and continuity of the Christian faith in Georgia. An inscription indicating the denomination appears on an arc above the cathedral’s dome.

Sun rays above the arc symbolize eternity and Christ as the “Light of the World.” A traditional Georgian ornament runs along the arc of the coin, representing interconnectedness and an unbroken heritage. The inscription “Georgia 2026 GEORGIA” appears at the top.

The typeface used for the inscriptions was specially designed for these commemorative coins.