The 2016 San Marino 2 euro commemorative coin honours the life and literary legacy of William Shakespeare, marking the four-hundredth anniversary of the playwright's death. The national side features a portrait of the Bard, capturing his likeness in a style reminiscent of traditional Elizabethan iconography. This design reflects the profound global influence of Shakespearean literature, which remains a cornerstone of Western cultural heritage. By selecting this theme, San Marino pays tribute to the enduring power of the English language and the universal themes explored in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, such as love, power, and the human condition. The coin is issued in a standard circulation format. This commemorative issue was released in 2016.