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 design was created by the artist Raffaello Sanzio and was originally featured on the Italian 500 lire gold coin. The profile of the Florentine poet serves as a profound symbol of Italy’s rich cultural heritage and its foundational role in the development of the Italian language. Surrounding the portrait, the design includes the letters RI, representing the Repubblica Italiana, the mint mark R, and the year of issue. This classic motif remains a permanent fixture on the national side of the Italian 2 euro denomination, reflecting the country's enduring pride in its literary history. The mintage for the 2019 standard issue is 11,958,000 coins.