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2 euro commemorative coin of the Italian Republic, issued in 2023 in a circulation of 3,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized number "100", through which passes a jet trail (condensation trail). At the lower left end of the trail is a historic biplane aircraft from the founding of the Air Force (1920s); at the upper right end is a modern jet fighter (such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or F-35). At the top is the inscription "AERONAUTICA MILITARE" (Military Aviation), at the bottom are the dates "1923-2023". Also on the coin's field is the monogram "RI" (Repubblica Italiana), the mint mark "R" and the initials of the author. 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 band is finely fluted and the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) is a branch of the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic, responsible for the country's air defense. Founded on 28 March 1923 by royal decree during the government of Benito Mussolini as the "Regia Aeronautica" (Royal Aviation), it is the third independent branch of the armed forces after the Army and Navy. Italian aviation dates back to 1884 (when the first military balloon depot was created in Rome), and in World War I it already had 12,000 aircraft. The interwar period glorified talented Italian aviators: Italo Balbo (transatlantic flights 1930-1933), Francesco De Pietro (speed records). In World War II, the Regia Aeronautica suffered huge losses. After the fall of the monarchy in 1946, it was renamed the Aeronautica Militare. It has been a member of NATO since 1949. Today, the Air Force has about 41,000 people. The famous patrol squadron "Freccia Tricolori" is one of the best in the world.