Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) 2 Dram 2004 Pick 901 UNC Banknote
The Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) 2 Dram 2004 banknote (Pick 901) is the lower denomination of the only banknote series ever issued by the self-declared Republic of Artsakh. Printed in Austria and released in 2004, it has become a fascinating collector’s item due to its limited circulation and historical significance.
Unlike most circulating currencies, Artsakh banknotes were produced primarily as symbols of national identity and saw only limited everyday use. Following the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh in 2024, these notes gained even greater historical importance among collectors of world paper money.
Preserved in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this banknote is an outstanding addition to any collection of rare or politically significant currencies.
Historical Background
Following the conflict that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Nagorno-Karabakh established its own institutions and adopted the Artsakh Dram in 2004.
Only two denominations were ever issued:
- 2 Dram (Pick 901)
- 10 Dram (Pick 902)
Although officially legal tender, the Armenian Dram remained the currency most commonly used in the region, making the Artsakh banknotes relatively scarce in circulation.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)
- Denomination: 2 Dram
- Year: 2004
- Pick Number: P-901
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Ministry of Finance of Nagorno-Karabakh
- Currency: Artsakh Dram
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 150 × 80 mm
- Printer: Österreichische Staatsdruckerei (Austria State Printing House)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Saint Gregory the Illuminator
- Gandzasar Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
- National Coat of Arms of Nagorno-Karabakh
- Decorative Armenian-inspired ornamentation
- Serial numbering
The artwork reflects the deep Christian heritage of the region and the importance of Gandzasar Monastery as one of the most significant medieval Armenian religious sites.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- A Christian cross in bas-relief
- John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ
- National Coat of Arms
- Decorative security patterns
- Denomination numerals
The reverse design reinforces the religious and cultural identity that inspired the entire Artsakh banknote series.
Security Features
- Watermark with repeating “SECURITY PRINT BY OSD”
- Fine guilloche patterns
- Intaglio printing
- Serial numbering
- High-quality Austrian security printing
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Nagorno-Karabakh 2 Dram 2004 Pick 901 UNC banknote is one of the most distinctive modern issues from the Caucasus. Its limited circulation, religious artwork and historical significance make it highly desirable among collectors.
Perfect for:
- Rare world banknote collections
- Caucasus currency collections
- Christian-themed banknotes
- Armenian history collections
- Political history collections
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The 2 Dram Pick 901 is the smallest denomination ever issued by the Republic of Artsakh and forms a perfect pair with the 10 Dram Pick 902. Since the republic ceased to exist in 2024, both banknotes have become increasingly popular among collectors interested in historical currencies from short-lived states.
