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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Italian Republic, issued in 2014 in a circulation of 6,500,000 copies. Dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Carabinieri Corps. The author of the design is Annalisa Masini (initials "AM"). Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized image - a reinterpretation of the famous sculpture "Pattuglia di Carabinieri nel tormenta" (Patrol of the Carabinieri in the Storm) by Antonio Berti. It shows two carabinieri walking through a storm, symbolizing loyalty to duty regardless of circumstances. On the left is the year of foundation "1814", on the right is the year of issue "2014". Below the arc is the inscription "CARABINIERI" (Carabinieri). Above is the monogram "RI" (Repubblica Italiana). Also on the field of the coin is the mint mark "R" (Rome) and the initials of the designer "AM". 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 fluted and has the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
The Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei Carabinieri) is the fourth branch of the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic, performing the functions of the national gendarmerie. Founded on July 13, 1814 in the Kingdom of Sardinia by King Vittorio Emanuele I as the "Carabinieri Reali" (Royal Carabinieri). Their model was the French national gendarmes. The name "carabinieri" comes from the name of the weapon - carbine. During the 19th century, they took an active part in the wars for the unification of Italy (Risorgimento), and from 1861 they became the national police of the Kingdom of Italy. After the establishment of the Republic in 1946, they retained their status. Since 2001, it has been a full-fledged independent component of the Italian Armed Forces, along with the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Carabinieri are known for their characteristic uniform with red stripes and a two-cornered hat. The staff strength is about 110,000 people. They perform a wide range of tasks: from maintaining public order to fighting the mafia and international peacekeeping missions.