The centre of the coin features a free interpretation of the allegorical painting of Galileo Galilei that is known as ‘la fisica antica’ or the study of the planets. The year of issue appears beneath a globe standing on a desk. To the left of the image is the mintmark ‘R’, and the engraver’s initials ‘LDS’ appear on the right. The words ‘SAN MARINO’ form a semicircle above the image, while the words ‘ANNO MONDIALE DELLA FISICA’ run along the lower edge of the inner part below. The outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union, separated by the outer edges of the image of a stylised atom inscribed in the background of the entire coin.

The European Union before its enlargement on 1 May 2004

Edge lettering, fine milled