On June 16, 2026, the Central Bank of Armenia will put into circulation the “125th birth anniversary of Alex Manoogian” gold collector coin, honoring the renowned Armenian-American businessman and great benefactor.
Alex Manoogian (1901–1996) was born in Kasaba, near by Smyrna (Izmir). He worked in a variety of jobs while studying in the local Armenian school, and upon graduation, he had gained solid entrepreneurial experience.
In 1920, he moved to the United States and by 1924 had settled in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked in a number of factories producing machine parts.
In 1929, he founded his own enterprise, Masco Corporation, which at first produced parts for the auto industry and later became internationally known for the Delta single-handle faucet and plumbing fixtures.
He joined the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in 1930 and served as its president from 1953 to 1989, succeeded by his daughter Louise Simone.
In 1942, he founded the “Alex and Marie Manoogian Foundation” with his spouse, Marie Manoogian, and provided substantial funding for Armenian programs in many countries: Armenia, the USA, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, the Netherlands, France, Lebanon, Jerusalem, Iran, and Australia. Significant investments went toward the building and renovation of churches, schools, cultural centers, libraries, nursing homes, the establishment of Armenian Studies departments in universities, and the support of youth organizations.
For his philanthropic contributions, he received numerous international awards and honors, and honorary doctorate degrees from several universities. In 1994, he was awarded the title of National Hero of Armenia and the Order of Motherland. Schools and streets have been named after him in Armenia and many cities around the world.
The remains of the great benefactor and his spouse rest in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – in front of the “Alex and Marie Manoogian” Treasury-House built through their beneficence.
Obverse: the monument symbolizing the collective image of an Armenian benefactor (“Alley of Armenian Benefactors” memorial complex, author: F. Arakelyan), the inscriptions “ԵՐԱԽՏԱՊԱՐՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ” (“Gratitude” in Armenian) and “GRATITUDE”.
Reverse: Alex Manoogian’s portrait and signature.
Designers: Haroutiun Samuelian (obverse), Vardan Vardanyan (reverse).
The coin is minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.
