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. By selecting the father of the Italian language for its highest denomination, Italy honours its profound cultural heritage and literary contribution to the Western world. The design is encircled by the twelve stars of the European Union, with the year of issue and the mint mark integrated into the composition. This standard issue was minted in 2006 with a total production of 9,951,700 pieces.