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2 euro commemorative coin of the Italian Republic, issued on January 25, 2021 in a circulation of 3,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Rome as the capital of Italy. The author of the design is Uliana Pernazza (initials "UP"). Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts the allegorical sculpture of the Goddess of Rome (Dea Roma) by sculptor Angelo Zanelli, which occupies a central place on the Altare della Patria (Altare della Patria) in the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Venezia in Rome. The goddess is depicted in classical Roman clothing and a helmet. On the left is the monogram "RI" (Repubblica Italiana) with the mint mark "R" below it. In the upper right corner is the inscription "ROMA CAPITALE" (Rome - capital) and the dates "1871-2021". Below the image are the initials of the author "UP". On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed 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 rim is finely fluted and has the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
The proclamation of Rome as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy took place on 3 February 1871, after the capture of the city by Italian troops on 20 September 1870, an event that put an end to the Papal States and formally completed the unification of Italy (the Risorgimento). Until 1870, Rome remained the last stronghold of the secular power of the Pope, protected by the French troops of Napoleon III. The fall of the Second French Empire in the Franco-Prussian War opened the way for the capture of the city. On 20 September 1870, General Raffaele Cadorna's troops entered Rome through the breach in the wall at La Breccia near Porta Pia. Pope Pius IX declared himself "prisoner of the Vatican". In February 1871, the capital was moved from Florence (where it had been moved from Turin in 1865) to Rome. Rome became the heart of the newly united Italy. The 150th anniversary in 2021 was marked by a series of events and this coin.