The Italian 2 euro standard circulation coin features a portrait of Dante Alighieri, the renowned medieval poet and philosopher. This iconic image is based on the famous painting by Raphael, housed within the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. By selecting the author of the Divine Comedy, Italy honours its profound contribution to Western literature and the foundations of the Italian language. The design is encircled by the twelve stars of the European Union, representing the unity of the continent. Encircling the portrait are the letters RI, standing for Repubblica Italiana, alongside the year of production and the mint mark of the Rome Mint. This standard issue was minted in 2010 with a total mintage of 5,800,000 pieces.