Ancient Greek Bee Coin Ring

Product details:

• Sterling silver and 18kt yellow gold
• Certified ancient coin (certificate of authenticity included with purchase)
• Size 6.5
  

Coin details:

• 550-500 BC
• Minted in Ephesus, Ionia, Ancient Greece (modern day Turkey)
• Obverse: Bee with wings; symbol of Ephesus since they were a major producer of honey
• Reverse: A "heart" that is actually two ivy leaves intertwined

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.