Slovenia 50-STOTINOV (KM3)¶

Composition

Aluminum

Country

Slovenia

Approx. Size

19.9mm

Area

Europe

Animal Class

Arthropods

Species

Honey bee

KM#

3

While arthropods are relatively rare in the world of animal coins (approximately 3% of the total), as of this addition to the Coin Zoo 6 out of 18 arthropod coins feature honey bees. Honey bees on coins dates back to ancient times, since the honey bee has been very important to man through history.

The Latin name Apis mellifera given by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758 appears on the coin. Apis means "bee", and millifera means "honey-bearing." When Linnaeus realized they actually bear nectar and not honey, he tried to change the name to Apis mellifica ("Honey-making bee"). But it was too late. According to the rules of zoological nomenclature, the older name takes precedence, even if it is wrong.

Slovenia¶

Area

Europe

The Republic of Slovenia is a relatively modern country, and did not get started until after the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. It's current borders were finalized in 1954 and confirmed in 1975 with the Treaty of Osimo.

Given its location in the world, it is not surprising that early people were living in the area as much as 250,000 years ago and the area has a rich history through ancient time, the middle ages, and the modern era. After World War II, Slovenia was a communist state but in 1987 it moved into the democratic arena.

Today, Slovenia is a highly developed country with a rich cultural heritage. This, along with its geographic position touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean, makes it a popular tourist destination.

Slovenia on Wikipedia