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Commemorative coin of the Italian Republic 2 euros, issued in 2012 with a circulation of 8,000,000 copies. A common coin of all 17 euro zone countries in honor of the 10th anniversary of euro banknotes and coins. The author of the joint design is Helmut Andexlinger (Austrian Mint). It was minted at IPZS in Rome. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized euro symbol "€", surrounded by elements symbolizing the use of the euro in Europe: a building (bank and trade), a bridge (unity), a ship, factory pipes (industry), wind turbines (green energy) and figures of people (citizens - euro users). In the background is a globe as a symbol of the international significance of the currency. On the left is the inscription "REPUBBLICA ITALIANA", on the right is "2002-2012". At the bottom is the mint mark "R". On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely grooved and the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
The euro is the official currency of the European Union, created on January 1, 1999 as a non-cash currency, and introduced into circulation as banknotes and coins on January 1, 2002 in 12 countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. For the first few weeks of 2002, national currencies (lira, mark, franc, etc.) circulated in parallel with the euro, after which they were finally withdrawn. In 2012, the euro zone was expanded to 17 countries. Italy exchanged its national currency, the Italian lira, for the euro at a rate of 1,936.27 lire for 1 euro. The changeover to the single currency is the biggest monetary reform in history. In 2012, all eurozone countries issued a common 2-euro coin with the same design. The design was chosen through an online vote by EU citizens on the European Commission website (over 34,000 votes).