The Italian 2 euro standard circulation coin features a portrait of the renowned Renaissance polymath Dante Alighieri. This iconic depiction is based on the famous painting by Raphael, which resides in the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City. By choosing the author of the Divine Comedy to represent the nation on its currency, Italy honours its profound contribution to global literature, philosophy, and the development of the Italian language. The portrait is surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union, symbolising the unity of the continent. Encircling the design, the inscription 'RI' stands for Repubblica Italiana, accompanied by the year of issue and the mint mark 'R' for the Rome Mint. The 2002 issue has a mintage of 463,402,000 pieces.