The Guardians of the Rock – the smallest army in the World.

So here we have the Sammarinese lira, nominal - 500. The year of issue of this coin is 1983, mint: Rome, Italy. Total circulation – 1.922.128.

The Guard of the Rock is a front-line military unit in the San Marino armed forces. Its precise origin is difficult to pinpoint due to amalgamations. Its role was last redefined by statute in 1987, and it probably came into being as a military branch in 1754. However, the unit also uses the name "Fortress Guards" which may be traced back too much earlier units of Sammarinese military.

The Guard of the Rock are the state border patrol, with responsibility for patrolling borders and defending them. In their role as Fortress Guards they are also responsible for the guarding of the Palazzo Pubblico in San Marino City, which is the seat of national government. In this role, they are the forces most visible to tourists, and known for their colourful ceremony of Changing the Guard. Under the 1987 statute, the Guard of the Rock are all enrolled as 'Criminal Police Officers' (in addition to their military role) and act to assist the police in investigating major crime.