Europa - National Archaeological Discoveries

The Europa 2025 postal series is dedicated to national archaeological discoveries and highlights the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of San Marino. The finds included in the series emphasise the importance of preserving and enhancing the testimonies of the past, fostering greater awareness for future generations. The stamp depicts the so-called ‘San Marino Whale’ (scientific name Titanocetus sammarinensis), an extraordinary cetacean dating back to the Miocene period, whose fossil remains were found in 1897 in a stone quarry near the summit of Mount Titano. The exceptional find aroused the interest of the international scientific community. The original finds are kept at the G. Capellini Museum of Palaeontology and Geology in Bologna, while the right hemimandibula, a cast of the skull, ribs and left hemimandibula are on display at the San Marino Natural History Museum.