Ferdinand II was born in Palermo on 12 January 1810. His father was Francis I, King of Naples and Sicily. His mother was Maria Isabella, Infanta of Spain. His reign began on 8 November 1830, after his father's death. His dynasty was initially somewhat open to constitutional reforms, but he soon adopted a reactionary and absolutist policy. After the suppression of the revolutions of 1848, he was nicknamed "Re Bomba" (Bomb King) because of his ruthless suppression of the uprisings. During his reign, the kingdom was characterized by strict censorship, police surveillance and political persecution. The first railway line in Italy was built between Naples and Portici. He modernized the navy and introduced the first steamship. He established the telegraph connection between Naples and Palermo. Notable constructions: San Carlo Opera House and the reconstruction of the Royal Palace of Caserta. First wife: Maria Christina of Savoy (1832–1836), they had one son: Francis II. Second wife: Maria Theresa of Austria (1837–), they had 12 children, including Louis, Alfonso, Maria Annunziata and Maria Immaculate. British politician William Gladstone criticized his rule, which led to diplomatic isolation. He was the victim of an assassination attempt in 1856, the consequences of the injury may have contributed to his death. Died: 22 May 1859, Caserta.

Ferdinand II, the ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, minted a number of coins between 1830 and 1859, which had not only economic but also political significance. These coins reflected the symbols of absolutist rule, the legitimacy of royal power, and the technological advances of the era. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was ruled by the House of Bourbon. During the reign of Ferdinand II, significant modernization took place: railway construction, fleet development, and the introduction of the telegraph. His political system was conservative and repressive, which contributed to his later downfall. Most important coins: 2 Tornesi (1838–1856) Material: Copper Weight: 6.24 g Diameter: 24.3 mm Obverse: FERDINANDVS II.DGREGNI VTR.SIC.ET HIER.REX Reverse: TORNESI DUE + year Mint: Naples, circulation coin, widely used. 120 Grana (1851–1859) Material: .833 silver Weight: 27.53 g (22.491 g silver content) Diameter: 37 mm Obverse: FERDINANDVS II. DEI GRATIA REX Reverse: REGNI VTR. SIC. ET HIER. G . 120Edge: Inscribed – PROVIDENCIA OPTIMI PRINCIPIMotifs: Portrait of a king, coat of armsThe inscriptions on the coins are in Latin, emphasizing the divine origin of royal power.The “Tornesi” and “Grana” denominations were part of the contemporary southern Italian monetary system. Coinage was technically advanced, developing in part in parallel with the navy and industry.