With the publication of official Legislative Decree No. 138, the Republic of San Marino has finalized the issue details for its highly anticipated 2026 €2 commemorative coin marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. While the coin's design had already been known for several months, collectors now finally have clarity on the release date and the exact mintage figures. Mark your calendars for October 6, 2026 — that's when the official issue of the €2 coin, limited to a mintage of 60,000 pieces, will begin.
The symbolic design comes from artist Fani Ivanka Taurino and depicts St. Francis of Assisi taming the Wolf of Gubbio, its muzzle reaching trustingly toward the saint's outstretched hand. The composition is rounded out by the cord of the Franciscan habit with its characteristic three knots, along with delicate branches and blossoms. Surrounding the central motif are the inscriptions "SAN MARINO" identifying the issuing country, "FRANCESCO D'ASSISI" marking the occasion, and the anniversary dates "1226 – 2026." The design is completed by the "R" mint mark of the Rome mint, the designer's initials "F. Taurino," and the 12 stars of the European flag.
The total mintage of the new commemorative coin comes to 60,000 pieces across several different finishes. The bulk of the issue — 51,500 coins — will be struck in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality and released in the usual official folder. In addition, 4,000 coins will be issued in Proof quality, alongside another 4,000 in Reverse Proof. The official decree also lists a further 500 pieces designated for general circulation. It remains to be seen, however, whether this tiny quantity will actually enter everyday payment circulation or whether it will ultimately be reserved for another special format, such as a numismatic cover.