Dark, intricate and strikingly unconventional, the 2026 Lucifer Bee 2oz Black Proof Coin marks the beginning of the new Australia’s Dark Bees Series - a collection dedicated to some of Australia’s most fascinating native bee species.

As Specimen 01 and the first coin in the series, this release features the remarkable Lucifer Bee – Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer, presented through a design inspired by classic scientific and entomological specimen illustrations.

At the centre of the coin, the Lucifer Bee is shown from above with its wings extended, surrounded by detailed studies of its wing, leg and head structure. Handwritten-style figure references, a scale marker and the inscription “SPECIMEN 01: LUCIFER BEE” give the design the appearance of a vintage scientific study.

The dramatic Black Proof finish creates a striking contrast between the dark mirrored fields and the finely sculpted details, highlighting the bee’s body texture, delicate wing structure and distinctive anatomical features.