The Italian 2 euro standard issue coin features a portrait of Dante Alighieri, the celebrated medieval poet and author of the Divine Comedy. Designed by Raffaele Fornari, the image is based on the famous portrait painted by Raphael in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. Dante is widely regarded as the father of the Italian language, and his inclusion on the national side of the coin serves as a profound tribute to Italy’s rich literary heritage and cultural identity. The design is framed by the twelve stars of the European Union, symbolising unity and the shared values of the eurozone. This standard circulation coin was issued in 2009 with a mintage of 2,540,000 pieces.