It Is Known Which Banknotes Will Be Withdrawn from Circulation After April 15

Second-generation banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation when third-generation banknotes are fully implemented in the entire cash circulation chain, and the second-generation banknotes have physical wear that makes them unfit for circulation.

Currently, the majority of second-generation banknotes have significant physical wear, while the majority of banknotes in circulation with nominal values of 1000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 drams are third-generation banknotes featuring the portraits of Paruyr Sevak, William Saroyan, Komitas, and Ivan Aivazovsky.

Regarding the 500 dram banknotes issued in 1999 bearing the portrait of Alexander Tamanyan, these have mainly been replaced by coins in circulation, necessitating the withdrawal of these second-generation banknotes from circulation.

According to the decision, the following second-generation banknotes of the Republic of Armenia will be removed from circulation:

• 500 dram (featuring Alexander Tamanyan) issued in 1999
• 1000 dram (featuring Yeghishe Charents) issued in 1999, 2001, 2011, 2015
• 5000 dram (featuring Hovhannes Tumanyan) issued in 1999, 2003, 2009, 2012
• 10000 dram (featuring Avetik Isahakyan) issued in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2012
• 20000 dram (featuring Martiros Saryan) issued in 1999, 2007, 2009, 2012

Until April 15, 2026, the mentioned banknotes will be considered legal tender. After April 15, 2026, citizens can exchange all remaining “old” banknotes without restrictions at commercial banks operating in the territory of the Republic of Armenia and at the Central Bank free of charge.