The official blister of 2016 from the Republic of San Marino contains a full set of euro coins (1 cent to 2 euros).
The outer sleeve depicts Saint Marinus, the founder of the world's oldest surviving republic, San Marino, in 301. Tradition holds that he was a stonemason by trade who came from the island of Rab on the other side of the Adriatic Sea (modern Croatia), fleeing persecution for his Christian beliefs in the Diocletianic Persecution. His memorial day is September 3, commemorating the day of the year when he founded San Marino, which is also San Marino''s national holiday.
Traditionally attributed to Guercino, the painting was recently recognized as the work of his pupil and collaborator Bartolomeo Gennari (1594-1661). The famous portrait of the Saint is also displayed on the 20 cent coin from 2002. |