San Marino 2006 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' death
500th anniversary of
Christopher Columbus' death
Christopher Columbus born
between 25 August and 31 October 1451, died 20 May 1506) was an
Italian explorer and navigator who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean sponsored by
the Catholic
Monarchs of Spain, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization
of the Americas.
His expeditions were the first known European contact with the Caribbean,
Central America, and South America. Columbus made three further voyages to
the Americas, exploring the Lesser Antilles in 1493, Trinidad and the northern
coast of South America in 1498, and the eastern coast of Central America in
1502. Many of the names he gave to geographical features, particularly islands,
are still in use. He also gave the name indios ("Indians")
to the indigenous peoples he encountered
The coin shows Christopher
Columbus and three caravels. The inscription ‘SAN MARINO’ appears above his
portrait, and a wind rose and the mint mark ‘R’ to the right. The dates ‘1506 —
2006’ are shown on a scroll below his portrait. The coin’s outer ring bears the
12 stars of the European Union.
Weight - 8.5 g.
Quality - BU (Brilliant Uncirculated)
Diameter - 25.75 mm.
Composition Bimetallic - nickel brass clad
nickel center in copper-nickel ring
Circulation - 120'000 pcs.
Country of origin - San Marino
Year of release- 2006
