Slovenia 50-STOTINOV (KM3)

Honey bee

While arthropods are relatively rare in the world of animal coins -- I estimate less than 3% of the total -- approximately one-quarter of the arthropod coins in the Coin Zoo feature honey bees. Honey bees on coins dates back to ancient times, since the honey bee has been very important to man through history.

The Latin name Apis mellifera given by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758 appears on the coin. Apis means 'bee', and millifera means 'honey-bearing'. When Linnaeus realized they actually bear nectar and not honey, he tried to change the name to Apis mellifica ('Honey-making bee'). But it was too late. According to the rules of zoological nomenclature, the older name takes precedence, even if it is wrong.


Diameter
19.85 mm
Composition
Aluminum
Catalogue #
KM3
Obverse Legend
REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA PETDESET STOTINOV 50
Reverse Legend
APIS MELLIFERA 50

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