2026 Queen Bee 1oz Silver Coloured Proof Coin

Honey bees have been kept in New Zealand for more than 150 years. It’s likely that Mary Bumby, the sister of a Methodist missionary, introduced these special insects to New Zealand by bringing two hives ashore when she landed at the Māngungu Mission Station at Hokianga in March 1839.      

Bees thrived in the New Zealand bush, especially in the Bay of Islands, and the number of wild colonies multiplied rapidly. By the 1860s, bee nests in the bush were plentiful, and honey was being sold by Māori, the country’s first commercial beekeepers. Following the introduction of the Langstroth hive, commercial production of honey in New Zealand took off in the 1870s. This box-framed beehive model is still used today, and each year the New Zealand honey industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the national economy.   

This coin was created with help from Apiculture New Zealand.

DESIGN 

Designed by Helcia Berryman, this proof-quality coin features a photographic image of a queen bee in colour. The coin is hexagonal to reflect the appearance of honeycomb. The silver background is frosted and features engraved illustrations of honeycomb and worker bees. The text is gold-plated. 

Specifications:

• Metal: 0.999 Silver
• Finish: Proof with Colour Printing and Gold Plating
• Weight: 1oz
• Diameter: 46mm x 40mm
• Denomination: 1 New Zealand Dollar
• Mintage: 1,200