Australian Money Notes Features and Facts

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Banknote in Close Up
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Australian money notes are a vital part of our daily lives, and it's fascinating to learn about their features and facts.

Each Australian note has a unique serial number, which can be found on the bottom right corner of the note. This number is used to track the note's movement through the banking system.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is responsible for designing and producing Australia's banknotes. They use advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.

The polymer material used in Australian notes is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them last longer than paper notes.

Australian Currency History

Australia's currency history is a fascinating story. The first coins used in Australia were created in 1813 by punching the centre out of a Spanish dollar to produce two coins, the Holey Dollar and the Dump.

These coins were stamped with their new values, but they were worthless elsewhere in the world. The Holey Dollar and Dump were the first coins used in Australia.

Australian Dollars in Cash
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In 1910, Australian silver coins were introduced, followed by bronze pennies and half pennies in 1911. The first Australian notes were issued in 1913.

The introduction of decimal currency in 1966 marked a significant change, replacing pounds, shillings, and pence with dollars and cents. Australia is now a world leader in bank notes and coins.

Australia pioneered the use of polymer bank notes in 1988, and it wasn't until 1996 that paper notes were fully replaced. Today, notes of different denominations vary in both size and colour.

Each Australian dollar note depicts a famous Australian or notable person who has some important significance to Australia.

Third Series (Polymer) Notes

The Third Series (Polymer) Notes were introduced in 2015, featuring a tactile feature to help the visually impaired community. This was a result of a successful campaign led by 15-year-old Connor McLeod, who is blind.

The new notes retained the key aspects of the previous series' design, such as the colour, size, and people portrayed, to minimize disruption to businesses. The Reserve Bank of Australia announced the new series would have a tactile feature.

Person Holding 10 and 10 Banknotes
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The new $5 note was the first to be issued, on 1 September 2016, to coincide with Australia's National Wattle Day. The new $10 banknote was released on 20 September 2017, followed by the new $50 note on 18 October 2018.

Here is a list of the Third Series (Polymer) Notes:

  • $5: Issued on 1 September 2016, features Queen Elizabeth II on the front and Parliament House on the back.
  • $10: Issued on 20 September 2017, features Banjo Paterson on the front and Dame Mary Gilmore on the back.
  • $20: Issued on 9 October 2019, features Mary Reibey on the front and Reverend John Flynn on the back.
  • $50: Issued on 18 October 2018, features David Unaipon on the front and Edith Cowan on the back.
  • $100: Issued on 29 October 2020, features Dame Nellie Melba on the front and Sir John Monash on the back.

The Reserve Bank currently has no plans to release fourth series notes in denominations higher than $100, despite the amount of inflation that has occurred since the $100 note was introduced in 1984.

Third Series (Polymer)

The Third Series (Polymer) notes were introduced in 2015 after a successful campaign by 15-year-old Connor McLeod, who is blind, to include a tactile feature for the visually impaired community. This feature was a key aspect of the new design.

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced the introduction of the new notes in 2015, with the first $5 note being issued on 1 September 2016. This coincided with Australia's National Wattle Day.

Close-up of Australian dollar bills and credit cards in a wallet on a wooden surface.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Australian dollar bills and credit cards in a wallet on a wooden surface.

The new notes retained the key aspects of the previous series' design, such as the colour, size, and people portrayed, to ease recognition and minimize disruption to businesses. This was a deliberate design choice to ensure continuity.

Here's a list of the Third Series (Polymer) notes, including their features and release dates:

The new $50 note contained a misspelling of the word "responsibility" on the reverse design, which was corrected in future printings.

1972 Commonwealth Bank EF

The 1972 Commonwealth Bank EF note is a great find for collectors. It's a 1972 Phillips Wheeler $20 Commonwealth Bank EF note, with a condition of lightly circulated.

This note is graded as EF, which stands for Extremely Fine, indicating that it's in excellent condition. If you're looking to buy one, be prepared to pay $115, which is a significant reduction from its original price of $225.

It's worth noting that this note is a great example of a circulated note, which means it has been handled and used in everyday transactions. If you're a collector looking for a note that's been well-worn, this might be the perfect addition to your collection.

Bank Production and Videos

Assorted Banknotes and Round Silver-colored Coins
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Australian banks produce over 1.2 billion banknotes every year, that's a lot of cash!

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is responsible for distributing these banknotes to financial institutions across the country.

The RBA uses a secure facility to print and package banknotes, and they have a team of experts who check every note for quality and authenticity.

Banknotes are made from a special paper that's designed to be durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Did you know that the RBA produces banknotes in 12 different denominations, ranging from $5 to $100?

The RBA also produces commemorative banknotes to mark special events and anniversaries, such as the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Mint.

You can even watch videos of the banknote production process on the RBA's website, where you can see the intricate details of the printing and packaging process.

Specific Denominations

The Reserve Bank of Australia issues five denominations of banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. These notes are made from a polymer material that's more durable than paper.

Person Holding Banknote
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The $5 note features a portrait of Sir Douglas Nicholls, a pioneering Indigenous Australian athlete and pastor. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Indigenous Australians.

The $10 note features a portrait of David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri man who was a key figure in the Australian Aboriginal rights movement. He's also known for his work as a writer and inventor.

The $10 note also features a design that represents the Ngarrindjeri people's connection to their land and culture.

Australian $10

The Australian $10 note is a unique note that features the portraits of two famous Australian poets, AB 'Banjo' Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore.

The $10 note is the only note that includes extracts from works by the two poets featured on the note, which are microprinted on the note.

AB 'Banjo' Paterson was an Australian-born poet and journalist, famous for works such as Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River.

Perfect Nature Park Outing with Your Golden Australian Shepherd and Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
Credit: pexels.com, Perfect Nature Park Outing with Your Golden Australian Shepherd and Impact Collapsible Dog Crate

His first book, The Man from Snowy River, sold out of its first edition within a week.

Dame Mary Gilmore was also a poet and journalist, who campaigned against inequality and deprivation, including the inability of women to vote and poor treatment of Indigenous Australians.

An extract of her poem 'No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest' appears on the $10 note.

Australian $50

The Australian $50 note features two remarkable individuals.

David Unaipon was an inventor and writer who made significant contributions to science despite having only a basic education. He invented a number of groundbreaking innovations, including a sheep-shearing tool.

Edith Cowan was a social worker and feminist who became Australia's first female politician. She worked towards reforms for women, children, and migrants.

Unaipon was also Australia's first published Indigenous writer, with works including newspaper and magazine articles.

Cowan was a strong campaigner for improvements to Indigenous living conditions. She was also a supporter of women's rights and children's welfare.

$100

Dollar Banknotes in Close Up
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The $100 note is a significant denomination in Australia, featuring two remarkable individuals.

Dame Nellie Melba was a legendary soprano known for her amazing voice and charitable character.

Her voice shot her to international fame after her 1887 Brussels debut in Verdi's Rigoletto, and she never forgot her roots, participating in numerous charitable causes in Australia.

General Sir John Monash was a renowned military commander, engineer, and administrator who played a crucial role in Australia's history.

He served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front during WWI and led the outstanding victory at Hamel, which inspired further victories.

Monash's contributions extended beyond the military, as he advised on engineering matters, represented returned soldiers, and held important civilian positions, such as head of Victoria's State Electricity Commission.

Commemorative and Special Issues

In 1988, the Reserve Bank of Australia issued a unique polymer commemorative $10 note to mark the bicentenary of European settlement in Australia. These notes were the first in the world to use a diffractive optically variable device (DOVD) image of Captain James Cook as a security feature.

A detailed close-up shot of scattered Australian coins, perfect for finance concepts.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed close-up shot of scattered Australian coins, perfect for finance concepts.

The polymer commemorative $10 note was produced by Note Printing Australia and featured a transparent "window" with Captain Cook's image. Australian notes were also the first to use microprinting for further security.

The note's design includes HMS Supply anchored at Sydney Cove on the obverse and Australian Aboriginal culture and peoples on the reverse.

1968 Coombs Randall Fine

The 1968 Coombs Randall Fine note is a circulated note with a grade of gFINE, which is a notable aspect of this commemorative issue. The price for this note is $75.

Its condition is described as circulated, giving some insight into its history. The 1968 Coombs Randall Fine note has a key signature.

The price for this note is $75, making it a relatively affordable option for collectors.

1988 Johnston Fraser $10 Bicentenary Ab10 Gvf

The 1988 Johnston Fraser $10 Bicentenary AB10 First Prefix is a rare find, especially in good Very Fine (gVF) condition. This particular note was issued in 1988, a year that marked the bicentenary of European settlement in Australia.

Close-up view of assorted Australian coins, perfect for finance themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of assorted Australian coins, perfect for finance themes.

The Reserve Bank of Australia produced this note in plastic, making it a unique addition to any collection. The polymer banknote contains a transparent "window" with a diffractive optically variable device (DOVD) image of Captain James Cook as a security feature.

The note's dimensions are 155 × 77.5 mm, and it weighs a mere amount, although the exact weight is not specified. The main colour of the note is a vibrant combination of green, orange, and yellow.

Here's a summary of the note's specifications:

If you're looking to add this note to your collection, be prepared to pay a premium price, as it was previously sold for $150. However, it's now available for a discounted price of $110, making it a great opportunity to snag this rare find.

1988 Johnston Fraser Commemorative Folder UNC

The 1988 Johnston Fraser Commemorative Folder UNC is a unique collectible.

It's dated January 26, 1988.

This folder comes with a commemorative envelope and features various serial numbers.

The condition of this folder is Uncirculated, or UNC for short.

You can get this folder for $39 each, down from its original price of $65.00.

1996 Fraser Evans $50 Da96 Vf

An Australian Shepherd Standing on a Field with Purple Heather
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The 1996 Fraser Evans $50 Da96 Vf is a notable commemorative note. It's a circulated note with a grade of VF.

Its condition is described as circulated, which means it has been used in everyday transactions. This note is a great example of a special issue that has maintained its value over time.

The price of this note has decreased from $350 to $250, making it a more affordable option for collectors. This price drop is a clear indication that this note is still highly sought after, even at a lower price point.

1974 Phillips Wheeler $5 Australia VF

The 1974 Phillips Wheeler $5 Australia VF is a great addition to any commemorative collection. It's a circulated note, which means it's been used in everyday transactions.

This note features a Fine grade, which is a standard for circulated notes. You can find it for a great price, currently listed at $25.

I've noticed that prices can fluctuate over time, and it's interesting to see how the market values different notes. In this case, the price has decreased from $59.95 to $25.

The 1974 Phillips Wheeler $5 Australia VF is a great option for those looking to start or expand their commemorative collection.

General Australian Currency

In Australia, the general currency is known as the Australian dollar, which is denoted by the symbol $.

Brown Leather Bifold Wallet With Banknotes Sticking Out
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The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents, with coins available in denominations of 5, 10, and 20 cents, as well as 50 cents, 1, 2, and 5 dollars.

You can find Australian dollar banknotes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

These banknotes are made of a polymer material and feature images of notable Australians, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Douglas Nicholls.

The polymer material used in Australian banknotes is more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to traditional paper banknotes.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is responsible for designing and issuing Australian banknotes, with each note featuring a unique security feature to prevent counterfeiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a $500 note in Australia?

There is no plan to release a $500 note in Australia, as the Reserve Bank has no plans to introduce notes higher than $100.

Can you still use old Australian notes?

Yes, old Australian banknotes remain legal tender and can still be used. However, new designs for $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 banknotes are now in circulation.

What is a $100 note called in Australia?

In Australia, a $100 note is commonly known as a "watermelon". However, it was previously referred to as a "grey nurse" between 1984 and 1996.

What are the current notes in Australia?

Australian banknotes are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Learn more about their security features and design on the Reserve Bank of Australia website.

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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