This commemorative coin issued by the Central Bank of Armenia is dedicated to the 1700-th anniversary for adopting Christianity in Armenia as a state religion. In Middle Ages (X-XI c.) the city Ani used to be a major economic, cultural and spiritual center. In its blossom, Ani's population amounted approximately to 100.000. In 961, the Bagratouni Family moved their royal residence from Kars to Ani and proclaimed it as a capital city. Situated on the Dvin- Trebizond part of a big international trade road, Ani was steadily developing and expanding. The city recorded a remarkable development especially during the reign of the king Gagik A (989-1020). Ani was a city full of churches. In line with building of a great number of civil and societal houses, Ani built the Mother Temple, Churches Saint Gregory Aboughamrentz, Gregory the Illuminator, Bakhtagek, Hoviv, Saviour, Arakelotz. Ani symbolizes national aspirations and dreams. As a renowned center of buildings for worship, Ani has played a great role in religious and spiritual life.

Ani (Armenian: Անի, Latin: Abnicum) is a ruined and uninhabited medieval city-site situated in the Turkish province of Kars, beside the border with Armenia. It was once the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom that covered much of present day Armenia and eastern Turkey. The city is located on a triangular site, visually dramatic and naturally defensive, protected on its eastern side by the ravine of the Akhurian River and on its western side by the Bostanlar or Tzaghkotzadzor valley. The Akhurian is a branch of the Araks River and forms part of the current border between Turkey and Armenia. Called the "City of 1001 Churches", it stood on various trade routes and its many religious buildings, palaces, and fortifications were amongst the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world.

At the height of its glory, Ani had a population of 100,000 - 200,000 people and was the rival of Constantinople, Baghdad and Cairo. Long ago renowned for its splendor and magnificence, Ani has been abandoned and largely forgotten for centuries.