The Italian 2 euro standard circulation coin features a portrait of Dante Alighieri, the renowned medieval poet and philosopher. This iconic design, originally created by the artist Raffaello Sanzio, depicts the author of the Divine Comedy in profile, reflecting Italy’s profound cultural heritage and its central role in European literature. The choice of Dante highlights the nation's deep historical connection to the Renaissance and the development of the Italian language. Surrounding the portrait are the twelve stars of the European Union, symbolising unity and the shared values of the continent. This design remains a consistent hallmark of the Italian euro series, representing the country’s identity within the eurozone. The mintage for this 2004 standard issue coin is 6,925,000 pieces.