Benevolent bees

Bees have provided humans with honey for millennia. The ancient Egyptians attached great religious and spiritual significance to bees, while many civilisations honoured them in art, jewellery, sculpture, and like the Greeks, on early coins. English poet Geoffrey Chaucer admired their seemingly endless industry and energy, originating the phrase ‘busy as bees’. But their role as effective crop pollinators outweighs every other aspect their benevolence. Through this vital biological service, they remain essential to people and the planet.

Honey bee design

The coin portrays three worker bees on the petals of a large flower. The background includes representations of additional honey bees and flowers. As well as a ribbon scroll with the inscription ‘HONEY BEE’, the reverse includes the coin’s weight, purity, 2024 year-date, and a ‘P125’ mintmark.