To mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity becoming the state religion of Georgia, the National Bank of Georgia will issue gold and silver collector coins.

The decision to issue the collector coins was made upon the recommendation of a special commission composed of representatives of the Government of Georgia and the Patriarchate, established in connection with the anniversary celebrations.

The commission is co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III.

In connection with the issuance of the collector coins, the Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, Natia Turnava, met with the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III. During the meeting, the NBG Governor presented the concept and design vision of the coin. The National Bank of Georgia will work on the coin’s design in cooperation with the Patriarchate.

The National Bank of Georgia traditionally pays special attention to major historical milestones, as evidenced by commemorative coins issued in previous years, including the 10-lari coins dedicated to the 2000th anniversary of the Nativity and the 3000th anniversary of Georgian statehood.