Basic Country Data:
Country ISO Code: SM
Official Language: Italian
Language ISO Code: it
Current Official Currency: Euro
Current Currency ISO Code: EUR

Currency: Euro (EUR)

ISO Code: EUR
Designs / Symbols on Coins and Banknotes:

• San Marino’s euro coins feature unique national designs, including:

  • 2 euro coin: first series depicting the Palazzo Pubblico (government seat), second series featuring a portrait of Saint Marinus based on a painting by Giovan Battista Urbinelli.

  • 1 euro coin: first series with the official coat of arms of the Republic, second series with the image of the Second Tower.

  • 50 cent coins: first series showing the three towers of San Marino (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale), second series with a portrait of Saint Marinus from a painting by Emilio Retrosi.

  • 20 cent coins: first series with the effigy of Saint Marinus inspired by a painting from the Guercino school, second series depicting Mount Titano and the three towers.

  • 10 cent coins: first series showing the Basilica of San Marino, second series depicting the Church of San Francesco.

  • 5, 2, and 1 cent coins: first series featuring the Third Tower (Montale), the Statue of Liberty, and the First Tower (Guaita); second series with the official coat of arms, city gate, and the Church of San Quirino.
    Singular Name: euro
    Plural Name: euro
    Monetary Subdivision: 1 euro = 100 cents
    Subdivision Name Singular: cent
    Subdivision Name Plural: cents
    Initial Production Date: 1999 (electronic), 2002 (physical)
    Final Production Date: ongoing
    Initial Circulation Date: January 1, 2002
    Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation
    Mint: Coins produced at Eurozone mints with San Marino national designs
    Issuing Bank: European Central Bank and Eurozone monetary authorities
    Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros
    Banknote Denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros (500 euro note no longer issued since 2019)
    Economic Historical Context:

• San Marino adopted the euro in 2002 despite not being a member of the European Union.

• San Marino’s coins are recognized and circulate throughout the Eurozone, often featuring commemorative and historical designs.

• The economy of San Marino heavily relies on tourism, banking, and artisanal products.
  Current Circulation Status: active and widely used in San Marino
  Issuing Authority: European Central Bank and Eurozone authorities
  Relevant Monetary Legislation: European Union and Eurozone regulations

Historical Currencies of San Marino

Sammarinese Lira

• ISO Code: unofficial (linked to the Italian lira)

• Designs / Symbols: coins and banknotes similar to Italian currency, with some specific issues for San Marino.

• Singular Name: lira

• Plural Name: lire

• Monetary Subdivision: 1 lira = 100 cents

• Initial Production Date: late 19th century (official issues from 1864)

• Final Production Date: 2001 (replaced by the euro)

• Initial Circulation Date: late 19th century

• Final Circulation Date: 2002

• Mint: coins struck in Italy (Rome Mint and others)

• Issuing Bank: various Italian and Sammarinese banks

• Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1, 2, 5, 10 lire

• Banknote Denominations: mainly Italian lire in use

• Economic Historical Context: San Marino used the Italian lira with limited own issues until euro adoption in 2002.

• Circulation Status: out of circulation since 2002

Sammarinese Escudo (Commemorative Issues)

• Some numismatic issues in gold and silver, such as the 1 escudo gold coin of 1975, were produced for collectors.

• These were not circulating currencies.

Curiosities and Commemorative Coins

• San Marino is renowned for its euro commemorative coins celebrating historical events, culture, and notable Sammarinese personalities.

• Mintages are often limited, making these coins highly sought after by collectors.

• San Marino’s coins rank among the rarest and most valuable issued in the Eurozone.

This report presents Italian as the official language of San Marino and provides a comprehensive financial history of the country, including the historical Sammarinese lira and the euro currently in circulation, with details on designs, production, economic context, issuing authorities, and numismatic curiosities.