From 1877 to today
The first series of Sammarinese stamps was issued on 1 August 1877 and depicted the three feathers of the official coat of arms of the Republic. In 1923 a series was dedicated to Saint Marinus, founder of the State according to tradition. The following year, in 1924, the 75th anniversary of the "Garibaldian escape" on the Titano was celebrated with a new series that brought to international attention the passage of Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1849.
The issues have always alternated identity themes (institutions, monuments, territory) and celebratory themes of international relevance. In 2014 a series was dedicated to the nine Castelli of San Marino, with illustrations by Leonardo Casali.
«The stamp is the first advertising vehicle in history. For a small State, it is also the instrument by which it makes itself known in the world.»
The convention of 1862
Sammarinese numismatic history begins in 1862, when the monetary convention with the Kingdom of Italy was signed, recognising the right of the Republic to mint its own currency. On 23 October 1863 the first sky-blue coin was minted: a 5 centesimi copper piece, issued in just 280 specimens.
The convention provided for the legal tender in Italy of Sammarinese coins on condition of uniformity of fineness and weight. The principle has been preserved through the transition to the euro: Sammarinese coins are minted at the Mint of Rome, on a sketch by M. Frantisek Chochola, and engraved by Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini.
Philatelic and numismatic issues
| Year | Event | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| 1862 | Monetary convention with the Kingdom of Italy | Numismatics |
| 1863 | First coin: 5 centesimi in copper, 280 specimens | Numismatics |
| 1877 | First philatelic series: the coat of arms with the three feathers | Philately |
| 1923 | Series dedicated to Saint Marinus | Philately |
| 1924 | Series for the 75th anniversary of the "Garibaldian escape" | Philately |
| 2002 | Introduction of euro coins | Numismatics |
| 2014 | Philatelic series dedicated to the nine Castelli, illustrations by Leonardo Casali | Philately |
Philatelic Office and sales counter
New issues and the historical catalogue are available at the sales counter at Piazzetta Garibaldi 5 in the City of San Marino, reachable on +378 0549 882353. For collectors outside the Republic, the Philatelic and Numismatic Office runs an online sales service on the institutional website dfn.sm.
