San Marino is thought to be the oldest republic of the world, with roots dating back to the 4th century. Its founder was Saint Marinus, who had been a stonemason from Croatia. Marinus had sought refuge on Titano Mountain during a persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 300 AD. Over time a Christian community developed on top of the mountain, as more and more Christians assembled around him. This was the origin of the later Republic of San Marino.
Saint Marinus is depicted on many San Marinese coins. This piece of 5 lire from 1972 features the saint, just as the modern San Marinese coins of 20 euro cents.