The Lake Sevan Trout is a member of the salmon family that is endemic (native) to only one place on earth, Lake Sevan in Armenia. This handsomely colored fish sports black and red spots along its side, which is divided by a distinct lateral line, all on a background of olive green scales. Whereas the Lake Sevan Trout once had this ecological niche all to itself, it is now endangered due to competition from non-native species introduced to the lake during the Soviet era, including common whitefish from Lake Ladoga, goldfish, and crayfish.

Even though it has been officially protected from commercial fishing by the Armenia's Council of Ministers since 1976, its future is in doubt. The only good news is that the trout was itself introduced to a non-native habitat, Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan, also during the Soviet era. Here it has a much better chance to survive, as it has superseded most of the fish native in its transplanted home. We're not sure that turnabout is fair play, but we are sure that the trout doesn't mind this turn of events!

This is the eighth entry in the ongoing "Wild World of the Caucasus - Endangered Species of Armenia" coin program. Each coin features an animal that is on the Red Book of Armenia endangered or protected species list. This fact is well-illustrated on each coin by the two red lines that underscore the animal's names in Latin and Armenian.

Click here to see all of the coins in the Endangered Species programs!

Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world, at a height of about 6350 feet above sea level. It was formerly known as the Gegham Sea, and along with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, was one of the three great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, collectively referred to as the "Seas of Armenia". Today it is the only one within the boundaries of the Republic of Armenia, and figures large in the consciousness of the Armenian people.

Investment Note
This coin has a total mintage of only 3,000, which is very low for such a reasonably-priced silver proof. Taking into account the large size (nearly 39 mm in diameter, or crown-sized), the animal theme featuring an endangered species, the colorization, and the beauty of the design, we feel that this is a great buy-and-hold for any numismatic portfolio.

Obverse

A superbly realistic depiction of the endangered Lake Sevan Trout, swimming through its native habitat. The scientific (Latin genus and species) name SALMO ISCHCHAN appears above and the animal's Armenian name appears below, while the red stripes underscoring the names emphasize its endangered status.

In the center, the national coat of arms of Armenia. The legend REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA in English and Armenian, as well as the date of issue and the denomination are also indicated.

Click here for the more great coins minted by the Mint of Poland!

Packaging

Each coin is encapsulated and is technically described as "Brilliant Uncirculated." However, the coins exhibit fully-mirrored fields and frosted cameo relief on the designs. We believe that these are therefore proof-finish commemoratives, struck with proof dies on specially-prepared proof planchets.

Specifications