Two Dollars 2023 Honey Bee (Orange), Coin from Australia - detailed information

The two dollar coin denomination (written as $2) was introduced in Australia in 1988, replacing the earlier banknotes. The original reverse design by Horst Hahne on circulating coins has not been changed since its introduction. The denomination is also often used to issue circulating commemorative coins with various reverses.

Apart from the circulating coinage, both the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint have extensive programs issuing $2 coins for collectors (Non-Circulating Legal Tender, or NCLT), such as this one.

This design was first issued in 2022.

The mint says about it:
The Royal Australian Mint and the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council proudly present this delightful coin, honouring the small yet mighty honey bee and Australia’s honey bee industry. 2022 marks the bicentenary of the establishment of the industry. The coin’s striking design and colour make it an attractive addition to collections.

Introduced in 1822, the European honey bee successfully adapted to Australia’s climate and flora; making them responsible for producing the majority of Australian honey. While there are more than 1,500 species of native honeybees, they tend to produce a lot less honey than introduced species.

Despite their small size and short lifespan, honey bees not only produce delicious honey, they are also regarded as a valuable agricultural commodity by providing free pollination services; resulting in superior quality harvest and increased yield. Honey bee pollination is estimated to contribute $4 to $6 billion to the economy. Across Australia, there are approximately 20,000 registered beekeepers who operate more than 640,000 hives, producing up to 30,000 tonnes of honey each year. This honey is consumed in nearly 40 countries across the globe, including Canada, China, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and, of course, Australia.

The design was re-issued as non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) in 2023 as part of a set commemorating the 35th anniversary of the $2 denomination.