1 Lira Trial Strike

San Marino began issuing its own coinage in 1972 following a new mintage agreement with Italy, ending decades during which Italian lire circulated as the republic's de facto currency. The 1972 series was produced at the Rome Mint, and trial strikes — punzonatura pieces struck in high-purity silver — were part of the formal approval process required before production dies were authorized for the general issue.

The .986 fineness is notably higher than the standard circulation silver of the period, consistent with official essai and trial material rather than collector restrike.