Construction of the new St Peter’s Basilica in Rome began in 1506 to the design of Bramante, the architect engaged by Pope Julius II. He did not live to see it finished: he died in Rome in 1514, leaving both the basilica and the great Belvedere courtyard of the Vatican incomplete.

Born in 1444 in the Duchy of Urbino, Bramante made his name in Milan. At Santa Maria presso San Satiro, with no room for a real choir, he created one in illusion: relief and perspective that suggest a deep space where there is almost none.

For the 500th anniversary of his death, San Marino issued this commemorative 2 euro in June 2014, bearing his portrait and a full name that ties him to San Marino. The European Central Bank lists 110,000 coins, struck at the Rome mint.

It fits a Renaissance architecture theme as well as San Marino’s long run of 2 euro coins honouring Italian artists. Uncirculated: never in circulation, with the portrait relief free of wear.