Ionia, Ephesus.  Circa 202-133 BC.  – The cities of Greece often used animals on their coins for identification.  Ephesus used both the bee and the stag.  The stag is sacred to Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus.  The bee was also associated with Ephesus.  When Athenians came to colonize Ionia, where Ephesus was located, they were led by Muses, who took the shape of bees.  Additionally, Artemis’ priestesses were called melissai, or “bees,” and were directed  by “king bees”, priests who served a year-long term under strict rules of purity;  the ancient Greeks and Romans didn’t know that the leader of a beehive is a queen, not a king.

• Contains 2 oz. Troy .999 Fine Silver
• Obverse: Bee seen from above perspective with Ε – Φ either side of bee.
• Reverse: Stag standing facing right with a date palm behind with (E)KATAIO(Σ) or (A)KATAIO(Σ) to the right of the stage in vertical orientation.

Specifications:

• Weight: 2.00 troy ounce
• Thickness: 5.5MM
• Purity: .999 fine
• Edge: Rough
• Diameter: 36mm
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated