The Italian 2 euro standard circulation coin features a portrait of Dante Alighieri, the celebrated medieval poet and author of the Divine Comedy. This iconic image is based on the famous painting by Raphael, which resides within the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Dante is widely regarded as the father of the Italian language, and his inclusion on the national side of the currency serves as a profound tribute to Italy’s rich literary heritage and its foundational role in European culture. The design is framed by the twelve stars of the European Union, symbolising the unity and shared identity of the member states. This standard issue was minted in 2003 with a total mintage of 36,098,000 pieces.