The Republic of San Marino continues it's numismatic celebration of the Catholic Jubilee of Mercy this month with the release of a special uncirculated 5 Euro coin. The coin is issued to mark the conclusion of Pope Francis's Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016.
The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a Roman Catholic period of prayer held from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), 2015 to the Feast of Christ the King (November 20), 2016. The jubilee emphasizes the themes of mercy and forgiveness. Earlier this year a special proof 10 Euro gold coin was also released by San Marino in celebration of the Jubilee.
San Marino 2016 €5 Coin Obverse
The obverse depicts a highly stylised depiction of the San Marino coat of arms with the three citadels of La Guaita, La Cesta and La Montale all mounted by ostrich plumes. The word “LIBERTAS” appears to the left in a scroll, and “SAN MARINO” to the right along the rim. These national symbols are surrounded by twelve five-pointed stars, as well as twelve beams of light representing the European union. At the bottom appears the battlement pattern of a mural crown, representing the republic's sovereignty.
The reverse of the coin expresses the jubilee's theme of mercy by depicting a procession of refugees moving away from a war torn region, represented by a curved barbed wire on the left. On the bottom is a rescue operation being conducted at sea. On the right is the engraved image of a mother holding her infant child safely in her hands. In the background two large doors are slightly ajar, and a dove holding an olive branch is flying between them. This represents the opening of the Holy Door and the spirit of peace. The words “IUBILAEUM MISERICORDIAE”(Jubilee of Mercy) appear in a semi-circle around the inner disc, with “2016” in the centre and “5 EURO” to the upper left.
San Marino 2016 €5 Coin Reverse
The bi-metallic coin consists of an Aluminium bronze outer ring and a Cupro-nickel inner disc. The coin is a 16 sided hexadecagon shape with a milled edge. The coin measures 27.5mm(1.0826 Inch) in diameter and weighs in at 9.2 grams. The coin has a maximum mintage figure of 82 600 coins and can be obtained from €8.00 each in uncirculated condition. No plans to produce a proof quality coin has been announced, nor is it expected.
