Ancient Greek Bee Coin Ring

Product details:

• Sterling silver and 22kt yellow gold
• Certified ancient coin (certificate of authenticity included with purchase)
• Size 7

Coin details:

• Circa 350-340 BCE
• Minted in Ephesus, Ionia, Ancient Greece (modern day Turkey)
• Silver tetradrachm currency (Ancient Greek silver coin)
• Obverse: Bee with wings; symbol of Ephesus
• Reverse: Stag with palm tree

Fun facts: Artemis, Ephesus' patron goddess, was often depicted with bees and deer surrounding her. The Ancient Temple of Artemis was located in Ephesus and her priestesses were referred to as melissai or "honey bees."

As Athenians migrated to Ionia, where Ephesus was located, it is said they were guided by the 9 Muses who took the shape of a hive of bees. 

High priests were made to live in the temple for years and were referred to as "King Bees," because, at the time, Greeks believed hives were lead by men. We know now that bee hives are lead by female bees, lovingly referred to as Queen Bees. 

A major producer of honey, the bee became the civic symbol of the city of Ephesus.