It’s finally here! The Central Bank of Malta has released a new €2 commemorative coin celebrating the endemic Maltese Honey Bee and we’ve been waiting for it since it was announced that it was actually happening last January.

This coin, a long-suggested theme by the KNM Foundation, highlights the importance of preserving this unique subspecies. Approximately 85,000 coins have been minted, many of which are presented in special coin cards featuring images of the Maltese Honeybee.

The Maltese Honeybee, which has been isolated for thousands of years, is under threat due to the importation of foreign bee breeds. These imported bees mate with the local subspecies, leading to genetic mixing (hybridisation), which dilutes the unique traits of the Maltese Honeybee.

If this hybridisation continues, the Maltese Honeybee may face extinction, struggling to adapt to Malta’s specific habitats and climate. The preservation of this subspecies is crucial for sustainable beekeeping and maintaining Malta's natural heritage.

The Maltese Honeybee is also being considered for classification as the National Insect of Malta, an effort spearheaded by the KNM Foundation.

To learn more about this initiative, watch the Foundation’s video, "Unique Insect: The Maltese Honeybee."

This coin release serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect this valuable and endangered species.

Are you excited to have the Maltese Honeybee in your purse?