New Zealand - 2023 - Annual Proof Coin Set - Native Bee

New Zealand is known around the world for its bee-related exports - mānuka honey, the Buzzy Bee toy and even live insects. Less known is the significance of New Zealand’s native bees - they don’t make honey, nor do they look much like the stereotypical specimen, but they are critical to our unique ecosystem.   

Alongside a 1oz silver coin depicting a ngaro huruhuru - native bee - this set features proof versions of New Zealand’s circulating currency coins. Each coin is specially dated 2023. Collectively the coins feature many well-known New Zealand symbols such as the Māori carved mask, known as a ‘kōruru’ on the 10-cent coin, and the HMS Endeavour, the ship of Captain James Cook, on the 50-cent coin.

Highlights

• Beautiful proof versions of New Zealand’s decimal currency coins 
• Features Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse 
• Silver coin designed by Wellington artist Sacha Lees 
• Low worldwide mintage of 750 sets 
• Each coin is specially dated 2023

Design

Of New Zealand’s bees, the Leioproctus genus is the best recognised. A maximum of 12 millimetres long, they look the most like honeybees. They’re all black except for Leioproctus fulvescens, which has dense orange-yellow hair. This species is featured on the coin, alongside the manuka flowers it pollinates. The coin features gold-plated text and a pattern of recessed circles on the edge representing the fact that the bees nest in the ground.