The $2 Honey Bee coin was issued in 2022 as a joint collaboration between the Royal Australian Mint and the Honey Bee Industry Council to mark the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the bee industry in Australia.
Introduced in 1822, the European honey bee successfully adapted to Australia’s climate and flora and they now produce the majority of Australian honey. The honey bees are also regarded as a valuable agricultural commodity by pollinating plants, resulting in superior quality harvest and increased yield. Honey bee pollination is estimated to contribute $4- 6 billion to the Australian economy and across Australia, there are approximately 20,000 registered beekeepers operating more than 640,000 hives, producing up to 30,000 tonnes of honey each year which is consumed in nearly 40 countries across the globe.
The reverse of the Honey Bee coin has a central circle printed in a honey-coloured ink, which is protected by an intricated sculptured honeycomb. Surrounding the circle are engravings of two bees at work, along with examples of the plants they pollinate.
