2024 Honey Bee 2kg .9999 Silver Antiqued High Relief Coin – 2 Kilos

The Perth Mint is excited to release this spectacular 2 kilo silver coin celebrating honey bees.

The ancient Egyptians attached great religious and spiritual significance to honey bees, while many civilisations honoured them in art, jewellery, sculpture, and like the Greeks, on early coins. Fourteenth century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer admired their seemingly endless industry and energy, originating the phrase ‘busy as bees’.

If any insect can lay claim to be hardworking, it is the honey bee. The survival of the hive depends upon the queen, male drones, and female workers. The task of feeding them all falls to the last group. Foraging incessantly among flowering plants, their shopping list comprises two key ingredients: nectar – a sweet, sugary solution that they process into honey; and pollen – an important source of protein and other vital nutrients, especially for the hive’s young brood.

Described by Aristotle as ‘the nectar of the gods’, the delicious taste of honey is universally savoured by mankind. When collecting pollen, bees perform a largely unnoticed, yet vital biological service. By transferring sticky grains of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part of another flower, they help facilitate pollination – through which plants produce fruits and seeds, and hence, are able to reproduce. About three-quarters of the world’s flowering plants and around one third of human food supply is represented by crops that are dependent on pollination by bees. In short, bees are essential to people and the planet.

Struck by The Perth Mint from 2 kilos of 99.99% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 200 of the Honey Bee 2024 2 Kilo Silver High Relief Antiqued Coin.

DESIGN

The coin’s reverse 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 signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary.

The obverse portrays the Dan Thorne effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, and the coin’s monetary denomination.

The coins are individually edge numbered from 1 to 200.

This coin has been struck on an extra-deep blank to showcase its superbly detailed design in high relief.

The coin has been individually ‘antiqued’ to give it a unique finish conveying the surface abrasions of an ancient artefact. As a result of this treatment, the appearance of each coin in the mintage may vary.

PRESENTATION

The coin is housed in a stunning clear case, which makes a perfect display piece. The case sits within a wooden presentation box and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT THE PERTH MINT

The Perth Mint, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Western Australia. Its primary purpose was to refine gold mined in the region and to mint gold sovereigns and half sovereigns for use throughout the British Empire.

The Perth Mint played a crucial role in the development of Western Australia's gold industry, providing a local facility for gold refining and coin production that significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of services including gold and silver bullion bars and coins, precious metal refining, and jewellry.

After Australia gained independence, the Perth Mint continued its operations and, in 1970, it became wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include commemorative coins, investment products, and a wealth of services for precious metals storage, management, and distribution.

Notably, The Perth Mint has set several world records, including producing the world's largest gold coin in 2011, weighing one tonne and featuring a kangaroo design. It also operates one of the largest LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) accredited gold refineries in the world.

The mint is also a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into Australia's gold mining history, the chance to view Australia’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets, and live demonstrations of traditional gold pouring.

Swan Bullion Company is proud to be an authorised distributor for both The Perth Mint bullion and numismatic products.