Banknotes of the Australian pound from Pre-Decimal to Polymer

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The Australian pound has a rich history, and its banknotes have undergone significant changes over the years. The first banknotes were issued in 1913, featuring a portrait of King George V.

These early notes were made of paper and came in denominations of 10 shillings, 1 pound, and 5 pounds. The designs were relatively simple, with the monarch's portrait and some decorative elements.

The Australian pound was eventually replaced by the Australian dollar in 1966, marking the end of an era for these notes.

Pre-Decimal Banknotes

Australian pre-decimal banknotes were in circulation from 1913 to 1966. They were replaced by the decimal system, but many collectors still seek out these rare notes.

Some of the rarest notes from this era include those with unique serial numbers, such as the 1916 One Pound Collins/Allen R18e Very Good, which can sell for $1,250.00.

The elaborate images on these notes give them an air of exclusivity, making them highly sought after by collectors. These images are a key part of what makes pre-decimal banknotes so valuable.

Credit: youtube.com, 🇦🇺 Australia Currency Series | Carocash Collects | Pre Decimal Banknotes | Banknote Collection

Collectors often start with cheaper notes from the Elizabeth II era and work their way up to rarer and more historic notes. This approach allows them to build experience and confidence in the market.

A comprehensive collection of Australian pre-decimal notes can evoke memories of decades past and the events that shaped the nation's economy and society. These notes are a tangible connection to the past.

Some of the rarest notes from this era include those with high grades, such as the 1927 One Pound Riddle/Heathershaw R26 PCGS AU50, which can sell for $950.00.

Commonwealth Banknotes

The Commonwealth Banknotes were introduced in 1913 with denominations of 10s, £1, £5, and £10. They were the first national banknotes in Australia.

In 1914, £20, £50, £100, and £1,000 notes were introduced, with the £1,000 note seeing limited circulation and eventually being confined to inter-bank use.

The £1,000 note was destroyed in 1969, and there are no uncancelled examples known to exist in private hands. A single cancelled example sold in a 2007 auction for AU$1,200,000.

A red "Half Sovereign" overprint was added to 10s notes starting in 1915. A portrait of King George V was introduced on 10s through £10 notes in the mid-1920s.

The banknote size was reduced for the £1, £5, and £10 notes in 1923, 1924, and 1925 respectively.

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Australian Pound Banknotes

Credit: youtube.com, Commonwealth of Australia 1 Pound Banknote Review

Australian banknotes have been printed in various denominations over the years. Paper $50, $20, $10, $5, $2, and $1 banknotes are examples of the different denominations that have been printed.

The Commonwealth of Australia printed Five Pound notes, which were signed by Coombs and Wilson. These notes were a significant denomination in the Australian pound.

Coombs and Wilson also signed £10 paper banknotes, which were another important denomination in the Australian pound.

1933 Shilling

In 1933, an Australian ten Shilling Banknote was issued by Riddle & Sheehan.

This banknote is a notable example of Australian currency from the early 20th century.

A 1933 Australian ten Shilling Banknote by Riddle & Sheehan is a rare find for collectors today.

The design and printing of this banknote were likely overseen by Riddle & Sheehan, a company responsible for producing Australian currency at the time.

This specific banknote is a tangible piece of Australian financial history, providing a glimpse into the country's economic past.

Riddle & Sheehan's involvement in the production of this banknote highlights the company's importance in Australian currency production during the 1930s.

Circulated George VI Shilling

Credit: youtube.com, Australia Shilling 1943 Coin VALUE + REVIEW George VI

Circulated George VI Shilling notes are a unique find for collectors. They were signed by Coombs & Watt, who were the signers of the time.

The King George VI era was a significant period in Australian history, marked by the reign of King George VI from 1936 to 1952.

Early Australian George VI 10 shilling notes, like the one mentioned, are highly sought after by collectors.

VF Shilling Coin

The VF Shilling Coin is a great addition to any Australian currency collection.

A VF Shilling Coin is in Very Fine condition, indicating it has some minor wear and tear but is still in good shape.

This condition is often used to describe coins that are still in circulation or have been stored properly.

You can find VF Shilling Coins from various time periods, including pre-decimal and decimal currency.

For example, the pre-decimal Ten Shilling banknote is a rare find, especially in aVF Condition, as mentioned in the article.

It's essential to examine the coin carefully to determine its condition and authenticity.

The Reserve Bank of Australia issues coins and banknotes, but it's the collector's responsibility to verify their authenticity.

Here's an interesting read: English Pound Coin

Issuance of

Credit: youtube.com, Australian predecimal banknotes 1954-1966

The Australian Pound Banknotes have a fascinating history.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was responsible for the issuance of Australian pound banknotes from 1927 to 1966.

The RBA initially issued banknotes in denominations of 10 shillings, 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 50 pounds.

In 1933, the RBA began to issue banknotes with a portrait of Sir John Monash, a prominent Australian soldier and engineer.

These banknotes were printed by the British Banknote Company in London.

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1942

In 1942, the Australian one pound banknote featured King George VI on the obverse, with a blank portal to the left and the Australian coat of arms in the centre.

These 1942 notes had a unique design, with a mosaic background and text surrounding the Australian coat of arms.

The Armitage McFarlane one pound banknote from 1942 was a legal tender note, just like the Coombs/Wilson signed note from the same era.

The serial number and other details were prominently displayed on the note, making it easy to identify and verify.

Australian Pound Banknotes from the 1942 era were highly collectible, with many enthusiasts seeking out rare and unique examples.

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Polymer Assortment $5

Credit: youtube.com, Australian $5 polymer banknotes

The Polymer Assortment $5 is a notable inclusion in Australian banknotes. Australian banknotes feature a polymer $5 note.

This note is part of the assorted banknotes listed, which also includes paper $50, $20, $10, $5, $2 x $1 notes. The polymer $5 note is a unique addition to the collection.

The face value of the assorted banknotes is $92.

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Bank Notes (£1 and £5)

Australian £5 banknotes were designed by Coombs and Wilson, and the first prefix TA was used in 1954. The Commonwealth of Australia issued £5 banknotes with this design.

These banknotes were part of a series that included £1 notes, which were also issued by the Commonwealth of Australia. The first prefix HA was used for £1 notes in 1953.

The Commonwealth of Australia issued five pound notes, and they can be found in pairs. The notes had a Coombs/Wilson design and were made of paper.

The prefixes used for Australian £5 banknotes included S45 and TA51, which can be found on specific banknotes, such as S45 405023 and TA51 770709.

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Set of $1

Credit: youtube.com, Australian $1 Dollar Bank Note

A set of $1 Australian banknotes can be a valuable collectible.

In 1982, a set of ten $1 banknotes was issued, featuring the Johnston/Stone design.

These notes are a great example of Australian currency from the early 1980s.

The Johnston/Stone design is a notable feature of this set of banknotes.

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High Grade Shilling Pair

Australian 10 shillings banknotes can be highly collectible, especially when they're in high grade condition. The example of AG95 086627 and AG96 956261, Coombs / Wilson, is a great illustration of this.

These banknotes have been graded as high grade AG95 and AG96, respectively, indicating their excellent condition. They are likely to be highly sought after by collectors.

The serial numbers on these banknotes, 086627 and 956261, are unique identifiers that can be used to verify their authenticity. This is especially important for collectors who want to ensure they're purchasing genuine items.

High grade banknotes like these can command a premium price, especially if they're in excellent condition.

Australia's Banknote

Credit: youtube.com, Australia 10 Pounds 1954-66

Australia's Banknote designs were created by Coombs & Wilson, who designed the £10 and £5 banknotes.

The Commonwealth of Australia £10 banknote was designed by Coombs & Wilson.

Coombs & Wilson also designed the Australian £5 paper banknote.

You can find signed Australian banknotes featuring the Coombs & Wilson design, including the 5 Pounds, 1 pound, and 10/- denominations.

The Coombs & Wilson signed Australian Banknotes Set includes the 5 Pounds, 1 pound, and 10/- denominations.

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1940

In 1940, a Ten Pound Note was issued by the Australian Commonwealth, featuring the signatures of Sheehan & McFarlane.

This note was in clean used condition, which is a great find for collectors.

The Commonwealth of Australia also issued Ten Shilling Notes that year, featuring two different signature combinations: Sheehan & McFarlane and Coombs & Wilson.

These notes are a great example of the variations that can be found in Australian currency.

The Commonwealth of Australia also issued a 10 pound bank note in 1940, signed by Armitage & McFarlane.

This note is a rare find, and its condition is likely to be highly prized by collectors.

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1954

Credit: youtube.com, One Pound Australian Bank Note 1954–60

In 1954, the Commonwealth Bank issued a range of banknotes, including a rare ten Shilling note featuring Matthew Flinders and Parliament House.

The Commonwealth of Australia also issued £1 and £5 bank notes in 1953 and 1954, respectively, with the first prefix HA for the £1 note and TA for the £5 note, both designed by Coombs & Wilson.

A Five Pounds 1954 Coombe Wilson Commonwealth Bank note was issued, featuring Sir John Franklin to the right of the coat of arms.

Australian Ten Pound notes were also issued in 1954 by Coombs and Wilson, with two examples existing from this era.

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1960

In 1960, the Australian government issued a 5 Pound Note designed by Coombs Wilson. This note is a notable example of the era's banknote design.

The 1960 Coombs Wilson 5 pound note features a distinctive design that was characteristic of the time.

Coombs Wilson was a notable duo in Australian banknote design, known for their contributions to the field.

Collection of

Credit: youtube.com, 🇦🇺 Australia Currency Series | Carocash Collects | $5 Banknotes Evolution | Banknote Collection

A collection of banknotes is a great way to preserve history and add some value to your collection. Five Australian 1 pound notes were collected, featuring serial numbers P9-329266, P16-689496, and P47-799029, along with Governor H Sheehan and Secretary S McFarlane.

These notes were issued under the same governor and secretary, indicating a specific period in time. The combination of serial numbers and officials' signatures can help date the notes.

The same collection also includes notes with serial numbers K12-373723 and K51-494148, issued under Governor H Armitage and the same Secretary S McFarlane. This highlights the continuity of officials during the time period.

Set

A set of Australian banknotes can be a great collectible item.

You can find sets of banknotes signed by notable figures, like Coombs & Wilson, who signed Australian banknotes, including the 5 Pounds, 1 pound & 10/- denominations.

Collectors may also be interested in sets of ten $1 Australian banknotes, specifically the 1982 issue signed by Johnston/stone.

These sets can be a unique way to appreciate the history and design of Australian banknotes.

Rare and Collectable Banknotes

Credit: youtube.com, Commonwealth of Australia Banknotes & Other Valuable Paper Notes (Banknotes)

Collectors of Australian pre-decimal banknotes often start by collecting cheaper notes from the Elizabeth II era, and aspire to own rarer and more historic notes from earlier periods as they build experience and confidence in the market.

A comprehensive collection of Australian pre-decimal notes can evoke memories of decades past, as well as the momentous events that shaped our national economy and society while the notes were in use.

Some collectors will distinguish rarer varieties within a series by checking the type of print used, as well as the signatures and the serial numbers.

Collectors can distinguish between different eras of Australian paper currency, including the Treasury era, the gold-bearing era, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

The elaborate and dignified images employed on Australia’s Commonwealth paper currency carry with them an air of exclusivity not captured by our nation’s coinage from the same period.

Australia's pre-decimal currency was issued between 1910 and 1966, so there are several tiers of demand to the collector market for pre-decimal notes.

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Credit: youtube.com, Australian $10 Banknotes 💵 (Banknotes)

A number of pre-decimal notes are extremely rare and highly valuable, such as the 1942 Five Pound Armitage/McFarlane R46 Extremely F, which is worth $475.00.

Some collectors will be determined to get at least one note from each era, while others will resolve to get one of each pre-decimal note ever issued.

Australian Dollar

The Australian Dollar was introduced in 1966 to replace the Australian pound, with the first notes featuring the image of Sir Edmund Barton, the first Prime Minister of Australia, and Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1984, the Australian dollar was decimalized, with the introduction of 100 cents to the dollar.

The Australian dollar was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 AUD = 1.12 USD until 1983.

The Reserve Bank of Australia was responsible for issuing the new banknotes, which were designed by Gordon Andrews.

Banknote Issuance and Dates

The Australian pound was issued by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia from 1913 to 1966, with the first series of banknotes being released in 1913. These early banknotes featured a portrait of King George V.

Credit: youtube.com, Episode 43: Australia £1 KGVI & QEII Banknote

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia issued banknotes in denominations of 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 50 pounds, and 100 pounds. This range of denominations was available from 1913 to 1933.

In 1933, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia introduced a new series of banknotes featuring a portrait of King George VI. This series was issued from 1933 to 1941.

The Reserve Bank of Australia took over banknote issuance in 1959, and the last series of Australian pound banknotes was issued in 1966.

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Banknote Design and Features

The first national banknotes were introduced in Australia in 1913, featuring denominations of 10s, £1, £5, and £10.

The £1,000 note, introduced in 1914, saw limited circulation and was later confined to inter-bank use, with stocks destroyed in 1969.

The 10s notes included a red "Half Sovereign" overprint starting from 1915, and banknote size was reduced for the £1, £5, and £10 notes in 1923, 1924, and 1925 respectively.

Credit: youtube.com, Next generation of Australian banknotes: New $5 (60 second video)

A portrait of King George V was introduced on the 10s through £10 notes in the mid-1920s, with these notes still referring to the currency's convertibility to gold on demand.

A newer £1,000 note (1923–1928) with the profile of George V was prepared but never issued, and a punch-cancelled specimen note was discovered in London in 1996 and sold for a sum in excess of $200,000.

Despite being a legitimate specimen note, it is not recognised as a legitimate Australian banknote issue.

Banknote Serial Numbers and Codes

Banknote serial numbers and codes are an essential part of the Australian pound's history. They were used to track and verify the authenticity of banknotes.

Serial numbers on Australian pound banknotes were usually printed in the bottom right corner of the note. The serial number was a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to each banknote.

The Australian government used a system of serial numbers to track the circulation of banknotes. This system helped to prevent counterfeiting and ensured the integrity of the currency.

White and Gray Australian Shepherd Puppy Sitting on Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, White and Gray Australian Shepherd Puppy Sitting on Grass Field

Each banknote had a unique serial number, which was recorded by the bank when it was issued. This information was used to track the movement of banknotes and prevent them from being used fraudulently.

Some Australian pound banknotes had a code or a series of letters printed on them. These codes were used to identify the specific series of banknotes and help with authentication.

The codes used on Australian pound banknotes varied depending on the series and denomination. They were usually printed in the same area as the serial number.

The use of serial numbers and codes on Australian pound banknotes helped to maintain the integrity of the currency. It made it easier for banks and financial institutions to verify the authenticity of banknotes and prevent counterfeiting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Australian pound notes worth anything?

Australian pound notes are generally not valuable, but rare and high-grade notes with specific serial numbers can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. If you suspect you have a rare note, it's worth further research to determine its potential value.

What are the current AUD bank notes?

Australian bank notes are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. You can order these notes online for pickup at a convenient location.

Angie Ernser

Senior Writer

Angie Ernser is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in financial markets. Her expertise lies in municipal bond investments, where she provides clear and insightful analysis to help readers understand the complexities of municipal bond markets. Ernser's articles are known for their clarity and practical advice, making them a valuable resource for both novice and experienced investors.

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