Saint Marinus

Designed by Arno Ludwig and Antonella Napolione, the new circulation coin depicts a portrait of Saint Marinus based on an altarpiece by Giovan Battista Urbinelli, together with the current year, the "R" mintmark of the Italian mint, the country name "San Marino" and the artists' initials "AL" and "AN MOD".

According to legend, Saint Marinus was a stonemason from Dalmatia who settled on Monte Titano in the 4th century to escape the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, thereby laying the foundation for what would become the Republic of San Marino. He is venerated to this day as the country's patron saint and namesake, and his death on 3 September is traditionally regarded as the founding date of the state. As the world's oldest surviving republic, San Marino draws heavily on this founding story, which is closely tied to its ideals of liberty and independence.