Country overview

Polymer overview

General information

Australia is the first country in the world to fully convert to polymer bank notes. As of 15.05.96, all denominations of Australian currency in circulation were polymer (paper banknotes still circulated and were being withdrawn).

Important changes to the design of regular issue notes (S3 to S7) have been made in 2002: (1) full names of the persons depicted on the notes have been added; (2) Governor's signature has been moved above the Secretary to the Treasury's signature; (3) signature changed to Macfarlane-Henry.

Reserve Bank of Australia

Where more notes are listed under the same reference/price, price is given for the most common variety—special, first, and last prefixes usually command a premium, as do folders, uncut notes, etc.

For up-to-date prices of Australian collectors' issues refer to specialised dealers or catalogues of Australian bank notes, such as McDonalds.

Introduction to the Australian collectors' issues

A large number of collectors' have been produced by NPA and the RBA, and it is nearly impossible to list all issues comprehensively. Different reference works assume different approaches to the listing of Australian collectors' issues. Owing to the complexity and diversity of collectors' issues, all of them fail to produce a comprehensive and easy-to-understand reference.

This web site provides a complete overview of all Australian polymer bank note issues, their varieties and sub-varieties. Straus reference explains how we assign reference numbers. The kind of listing and assigning reference numbers that is employed here has a drawback of breaking the folders or sets of notes of different denominations—this is a risk consciously taken. Most of the other reference works on Australian bank notes list the folders and sets grouped together and you have a choice of both approaches.

Click on the icon (opens a new window) to access additional information about specific bank note varieties and sub-varieties. As a helpful feature, all collectors' issues are marked by a pale orange background colour in the charts. When a certain variety of a bank note has been issued as a regular circulating note and as a collectors' issue (without any significant differences between the two, except for, perhaps, serial number prefix or range), normal white background is retained (as is with proof and specimen notes).

A total of seven specimen notes exist for Australia S1 to S7. S7S1 was the last specimen note produced (in 1996) and no specimen notes were printed subsequently.

Bank notes for sale (additional offers)

Basic varieties of bank notes can be purchased further down this page from the bank notes' tables.

This table shows additional offers:

PIC	REF.	DESCRIPTION	PRICE	BUY
	S3R14b	P51. $5. Year 1997. Signed by Macfarlane-Evans. Red serial number. HK 97 prefix. Single note.	€16.00
	S4R27	P58. $10. Year 2006. Signed by Macfarlane-Henry. First prefix AA 06.	€20.50

Bank notes

S1R1 has been issued on 27.01.88, but the issue ceased within days as the Cook's image (OVD) was found to be easily removed. The clear window on this note has a dull, flat appearance, with a thin, smooth varnish over the OVD, which rapidly rubbed off when used. S1R2 has been issued in October 1988, after the problem had been identified. The clear window on this note has a shiny, mottled appearance.

A total of 31,200,000 of S1R1 and S1R2 notes have been issued (some sources suggest only 17,500,000 notes issued).

Australia S1 is the first plastic bank note printed by NPA and the first plastic bank note with a clear window.

A small number of bank notes has been hand-signed by Robert A. Johnston, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, and by Bernie W. Fraser, the Secretary to the Treasury. These signed notes have been placed in the general folder (refer to S1R3a) and handed out to senior RBA staff and other VIPs. See the bank note and the folder.

Australia, 10 Dollars, issued in 1988. This is the first circulating polymer bank note with a clear window in the world. Issued to commemorate the 200 years of Australian settlement. Front: The ship Supply and a medley of people against a background of Sydney Cove. The Supply and its ten sister ships of the First Fleet left Portsmouth, England in May 1787, establishing a settlement at Sydney Cove in January 1788. Back: A portrayal of an Aboriginal youth wearing body painting, and a Morning Star Pole, an example of poles used by the Aboriginal people of north-east Arnhem Land on ceremonial occasions. Aboriginal paintings in background.

The currency note in this folder is of entirely new style. It was produced by the Note Printing Branch of the Reserve Bank of Australia at Craigieburn, Victoria, as a special Commemorative Issue. The note is the first of its kind in the world, in that it is printed on polymer (plastic) incorporating technology devised and developed in Australia. Notes from the limited first print run (of which this is one) bear the prefix AA and are imprinted “26 January 1988”. These features will distinguish them from subsequent prints of the note.

The technology embodied in the note represents the culmination of many years of joint research and development by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. This work has involved design, manufacture and incorporation in the note of a sophisticated optically variable device (OVD), to deter counterfeiting. The OVD, a portrait of Captain Cook, is visible from either side of the note. It diffracts light, producing a varying rainbow pattern when the viewing angle is changed. A clear portrait, and the rainbow pattern, are important security aspects of the new note. To allow the use of an OVD, a special polymer substrate was developed to replace the traditional currency note paper. The polymer, after treatment, performs comparably to paper in the printing processes. This permits the inclusion of traditional anti-counterfeiting devices based on the note printer’s skills. For instance, the intaglio printing used on the major features produces a distinct raised effect where the ink has been deposited; offset print, used for background patterns on the note, is applied to both sides at the same time, so that they are in perfect registration with each other. The watermark, usual in paper notes, has given way to the OVD. The note’s designer is Mr Harry Williamson, the designer of Australia’s current $100 note, aided by the staff tat he Bank’s Note Printing Branch. The theme of the design is settlement.

One side of the note related to Australia’s original inhabitants. It brings together some elements of Aboriginal culture—ancient rock painting and hand stencils, a portrayal of an Aboriginal youth wearing body painting, and a Morning Star Pole. The Pole is the work of the Aboriginal artist, Yumbulul and is an example of poles used by the Aboriginal people of north-east Arnhem Land on certain ceremonial occasions. Some original works commissioned by the Bank from Aboriginal artists have been used to create background patterns.

The other side of the note shows the ship “Supply” and a medley of people against a background of Sydney Cove. The “Supply” and its ten sister ships of the First Fleet left Portsmouth, England, for Botany Bay on 13 May 1787. All the fleet arrived at Botany Bay by 20 January 1788 but it was regarded as unsuitable for a settlement. Six days later a settlement was established at Sydney Cove. The representation of Sydney Cove is based on an engraving of a sketch by John Hunter, an officer of the First Fleet’s flagship, “Sirius”, and later Governor of New South Wales.

The Commemorative Note will be printed and issued only during 1988.

Issued on 07.07.92.

An uncut sheet of 40 S2P1 notes (all with the AA 00 000 000 serial number) has been auctioned in 1993. The sheet sold for AUD30,000 and has been cut up.

Australia, 5 Dollars, issued in 1992. The original 5 Dollars note in grey colour. Stylised gum flower in the clear window. Front: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State of the Commonwealth of Australia at centre right. Eucalyptus leaves (Scribbly gum) at left. Back: The old and the new Parliament Houses in Canberra. The patterns of the new house reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room. The Australian Federal Parliament consists of the Queen (depicted on the front of the note), a Senate, and a House of Representatives.

Front. Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's portrait is based on photographs commissioned by the Bank in 1984. The Queen gave approval to the use of this portrait on an Australian note in 1988. Eucalyptus Leaves; the designer's interpretation of Eucalyptus leaves was mainly based on the species Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma). The image within the transparent area is a stylised representation of a gum flower.

Back. Parliament House. The depictions of the Old and new Parliament Houses are based on the designer's interpretation of various architectural drawings and photographs. The Old Parliament House was opened in 1927 and the New Parliament House was opened in 1988. Landscape Plan for New Parliament House: based on the Design Development Landscape Plan for the New Parliament House which was provided by the Parliament House Construction Authority. Geometric Patterns: based on architectural features of the New Parliament House. The patterns reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room.

Queen Elizabeth II

Issued on 24.04.95.

Australia, 5 Dollars, issued in 1995. The re-coloured 5 Dollars note in violet colour. Stylised gum flower in the clear window. Front: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State of the Commonwealth of Australia at centre right. Eucalyptus leaves (Scribbly gum) at left. Back: The old and the new Parliament Houses in Canberra. The patterns of the new house reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room. The Australian Federal Parliament consists of the Queen (depicted on the front of the note), a Senate, and a House of Representatives.

Front. Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's portrait is based on photographs commissioned by the Bank in 1984. The Queen gave approval to the use of this portrait on an Australian note in 1988. Eucalyptus Leaves; the designer's interpretation of Eucalyptus leaves was mainly based on the species Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma). The image within the transparent area is a stylised representation of a gum flower.

Back. Parliament House. The depictions of the Old and new Parliament Houses are based on the designer's interpretation of various architectural drawings and photographs. The Old Parliament House was opened in 1927 and the New Parliament House was opened in 1988. Landscape Plan for New Parliament House: based on the Design Development Landscape Plan for the New Parliament House which was provided by the Parliament House Construction Authority. Geometric Patterns: based on architectural features of the New Parliament House. The patterns reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room.

Queen Elizabeth II

Issued on 01.11.93.

Australia, 10 Dollars, issued in 1993. Front: AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864-1941), a folk poet. Running horses in the background are inspired by the imagery and feeling conjured by the Banjo's poem 'The Man From Snowy River'. Back: Dame Mary Gilmore (1865-1962), a writer. In 1937 she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to literature. During World War II Mary Gilmore captured the hearts of Australians with a stirring call to patriotism in the poems 'No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest' and 'Singapore'; the words from the former poem appear as microprinting in the centre of the note.

Front. Portrait of AB 'Banjo' Paterson. Based on a photograph of him taken at the time of his return to the Boer War in 1900. The photograph is held by the Paterson Estate. Running Horses (Brumbies): inspired by the imagery and feeling conjured by the poem The Man From Snowy River. This element is based on a lithograph entitled Rounding up Wild Horses which appeared in The Australian in 1870 and a picture from the Illustrated Sydney News 1875 entitled Mustering Horses. Horseman: designer's interpretation of an authentic horseman—from the times of The Man from Snowy River. Waltzing Matilda Logo: taken from the 1903 publication of Marie Cowan's arrangement of Waltzing Matilda which was used to promote Billy Tea. Courtesy of the State Library of NSW. Extract from The Man from Snowy River: this extract is from a manuscript, in Paterson's own handwriting, held in the manuscripts section of the State Library of NSW. Microprinting: consists of the words from the poem The Man from Snowy River, with the words 'Ten Dollars' repeated between each stanza. Vignette of Windmill: design created by the note's designer, Max Robinson, to complement the outback theme on both sides of the note.

Back. Portrait of Dame Mary Gilmore. Based on a photograph of Gilmore taken in her early twenties. This photograph has appeared in the Australian encyclopaedia and is held by the National Library of Australia. Dobell Portrait of Dame Mary Gilmore: the source for this element is Sir William Dobell's Archibald winning portrait of Dame Mary Gilmore. This portrait belongs to the Art Gallery of NSW, with copyright resting with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation. Bullock Team Carrying Wool: the inspiration for some of Gilmore's writings. The source material for this element is an engraving entitled The Wool Season that appeared in The Illustrated Australian News—30 November 1881. This is held by the State Library of Victoria. Woman of the Outback and Outback Scene: imagery created by the designer of a country woman and the surrounding landscape which were the themes of many of Gilmore's writings. Extract from No Foe Shall Gather our Harvest: the manuscript version used by the designer was from a letter written by Dame Mary to George Mackaness on 2 March 1942. Original Manuscript is held in the National Library of Australia archives and is part of the George Mackaness Collection. The poem was first published in the 29 June 1940 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly. Microprinting: consists of words from Gilmore's poem No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest, with the words 'Ten Dollars' repeated between each stanza.

AB ("Banjo") Paterson (1864-1941)

Dame Mary Gilmore (1865-1962)

Issued on 31.10.94.

Issued on 04.10.95.

Australia, 50 Dollars, issued in 1995. Vignette of the Southern Cross appears in the clear window. Front: David Unaipon (1872-1967), who made significant contributions to science and literature and improved the conditions of Aboriginal people. In 1909, he patented an improved handpiece for sheep-shearing, an image of which appears at right. Back: Edith Dircksey Cowan (1861-1932), social worker, politician, feminist, the first female member of the Australian parliament. Western Australia Parliament House at left. The image at right represents Cowan's public speaking on matters such as women's rights and children's welfare issues.

Front. Portrait of David Unaipon. Based on photographic reference from an original photograph taken in 1938, held by the Mortlock Library of South Australiana, State Library of SA. Diagrams of Unaipon's Patent Application: based on drawings from Unaipon's patent application number 15,624/09 dated 3 September 1909, for an 'improved mechanical motion device', which was the development of a modified hand piece for sheep shearing. Manuscript: extract from Unaipon's handwritten preface to his story 'Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines'. Based on copies of the original manuscript provided by the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. Mission Church at Point McLeay: view of mission church at Point McLeay as it was in the late 19th century. The church was built in 1869, and Point McLeay (Aboriginal name is 'Raukkan') was, and still is, the community where Unaipon's people live. Aboriginal Couple: representing residents of 'Raukkan' in the late 19th century. The illustration is based on a photograph provided to the designer by Jean and Henry Rankine from Point McLeay. Vignette of Southern Cross: designer's stylised interpretation of the Southern Cross.

Back. Portrait of Edith Cowan. Based on a photograph taken in 1929, from 'the Biographical Register' of the Parliament of Western Australia. Reference provided by the Battye Library of Perth. WA Parliament House: the drawing shows the original front, or western elevation, of the WA Parliament House as it was in the 1920s when Edith Cowan was in Parliament. This elevation is now the rear of the building. The illustration is based on photographs taken by the designer, and photographic prints provided by the WA Parliament and Battye Library. Cowan at Lectern: representing Cowan's public speaking on matters such as women's rights and children's welfare issues. Based mainly on an early photograph of Cowan, probably taken in the late 1870's. Foster Mother and State Children: this composite illustration represents a foster mother and children who were wards of the State circa 1920. The illustration is based on reference from several photographs which were provided by the Battye Library in Perth.

David Unaipon (1872-1967)

Edith Dircksey Cowan (1861-1932)

Issued on 15.05.96.

Australia, 100 Dollars, issued in 1996. Front: Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931). In her lifetime, Dame Nellie Melba achieved international recognition as a soprano and enjoyed an unrivalled 'super-star' status within Australia. 'Melba peach', a famous dessert, is named after her. The interior of Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney at left. Back: Sir John Monash (1865-1931), one of Australia's greatest military commanders. He excelled himself in the World War I, from which two images on the note originate: mounted cavalry soldiers and the artillery batteries. Monash University in Melbourne was named after him in 1958.

Front. Portrait of Dame Nellie Melba. Based on a photograph which appeared in a book entitled Melba: A Biography by Agnes G. Murphy, which was first published in 1909. Her Majesty's Theatre: based on a photograph of the interior of Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, taken in 1903. A performance at this theatre on 2 September 1911 was a special highlight in Melba's career. The original photograph is held by the State Library of NSW, which provided a print as reference for the designer. Melba Australian Concert Tour Program (1902): the 1902 tour was of special significance as it was Melba's first and long awaited return to Australia from her successful overseas performances. The monogram on the program was designed personally by Melba. It has been used by the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, where Melba taught, as decoration on programs for events such as recitals and graduations. The Conservatorium provided a copy of the monogram as reference for the designer. An original concert tour program is held by the State Library of Victoria. Figure of Melba: based on a photograph entitled Melba in Private Life, from the book Melba: A Biography by Agnes G. Murphy. 'Melba' Signature: based on Melba's signature, which appeared on the program used for her farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 25 June 1926. Lyrebird Vignette: designer's stylised representation of a lyrebird, which is generally known as a mimic or song bird. This image is printed in the clear window and can be seen from both sides of the note.

Back. Portrait of Sir John Monash. Based on a photograph of Monash taken in 1912. The original photograph is held by the National Library of Australia in Canberra as part of the Monash Papers, and a print was provided as reference for the designer. Rising Sun Badge: based on reference material supplied by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. This badge, also referred to as the Australian General Service Badge, but more commonly known as the Rising Sun Badge, was adopted as the 'Australian Imperial Force' badge and worn in World War I. Permission to use the badge was provided by the Australian Army. Cavalry: designer's interpretation of mounted soldiers in World War I. Soldier's and Cannon: based primarily on a photograph taken in 1917 titled Artillery in Noreuil Valley, showing the batteries of the 2nd Australian Division attacking the Hindenberg Line. The photograph is held by the State Library of NSW, which provided a print as reference for the designer. Simpson and Donkey: based on William Wallace Anderson's statue called The Man with the Donkey, which is featured at the shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Permission to use the image of the statue was provided by the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees. John Monash's Signature: taken from material provided by the State Library of NSW.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931)

Sir John Monash (1865-1931)

Issued on 01.01.01.

There were no specimen notes printed for Australia S8.

Australia, 5 Dollars, issued in 2001. Issued to commemorate the centenary of the Australian Federation. Front: Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896), named ‘the Father of Federation’ for his leadership in advancing the cause for nationhood. Opening of Australia's First Federal Parliament scene and the Federation Pavilion at right. State Badges at lower left. Back: Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910), journalist, social reformer and novelist, the leading woman in public affairs at the turn of the 19th/20th century in Australia. Six small portraits of active campaigners for Federation, one from each of the six Australian states, at right.

Front. Portrait of Sir Henry Parkes. Based on an 1892 painting of Parkes by Tom Roberts. The painting is owned by the Art Gallery of South Australia, who provided permission for the use of the image. To the right of the main portrait is a smaller image of Parkes based on the same portrait. 'Opening of Australia's First Federal Parliament' scene: based on part of the Tom Roberts painting Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by HRH The Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V), May 9, 1901. The painting was completed in 1903. The painting is on permanent loan to the Parliament of Australia from the British Royal Collection. Permission to use the image was granted by the Parliament House Art Collection, after referral and approval from the Surveyor of The Queen's Pictures. Federation Pavilion: the Federation Pavilion was constructed during 1900 in Centennial Park, Sydney, and became the focus of the Sydney celebrations on 1 January 1901 for the declaration of the Commonwealth of Australia, which included the swearing in of the first Governor General (Lord Hopetown) and the Federal Ministry. The image is based on various photographs taken on 1 January 1901, mainly from newspaper articles of the time. Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne: completed in 1880, it was the site of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in 1901 and remained so until the opening of the original Parliament House in Canberra in 1927. The designer's interpretation is based on various references, including original Architectural drawings from the late 1800's. Tenterfield School of Arts Building: this was the location of Sir Henry Parkes' famous speech on 24 October 1889, which called for a national parliament and a federated Australia. The designer's interpretation is based on several photographs and drawings of the building as it was in 1889, which were provided by the State Library of NSW. State Badges: the State badges are interpretations based on the Australian Coat of Arms. Parkes' Tenterfield Speech (microprinting): excerpts from Parkes' speech appear as microprinting on this side of the note. Based on newspaper reports at the time, with references provided by the State Library of NSW. Parkes' Signature: based on a reference provided by the State Library of NSW.

Back. Portrait of Catherine Helen Spence. Based on a painting by Margaret Preston. The painting is owned by the Art Gallery of South Australia, who provided permission for the use of the image. Historical People: this element comprises six small portraits of active campaigners for Federation, one from each of the six states. Those portrayed are Andrew Inglis Clark (Tasmania), Edmund Barton (New South Wales), John Forrest (Western Australia), Alfred Deakin (Victoria), Charles Kingston (South Australia) and Samuel Griffith (Queensland). Andrew Inglis Clark was a prominent member of the constitutional drafting committee for Federation and played an important role in the Federation movement. He became a senior judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 1901. Edmund Barton was a principal figure in the federation movement and became Australia's first Prime Minister in 1901. John Forrest was Premier of Western Australia from 1890 until Federation in 1901 and one of the founding fathers of Federation. He is also regarded as one of the last great Australian inland explorers. Alfred Deakin was the outstanding leader of Victoria's federation movement and a pivotal figure in persuading fellow colonists to accept a federation of states. He was Prime Minister three times and one of Australia's great statesmen. Charles Kingston was a notable and ardent reformer. He was Premier of South Australia from 1893 to 1899, and is remembered for his great contribution to the federation movement. Samuel Griffith was the first Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and the main draftsman of the Bill which formed the basis of the Australian Constitution. He was regarded by Barton as 'the greatest lawyer in the Commonwealth'. References for the portraits in this element were from various photographs and drawings that were mainly provided by the State Library of NSW. State Children's Department Building: Spence served on the State Children's Council and its predecessor from 1872, working with and for state children for at least thirty-eight years—a cause that was very dear to her. Based on a photograph taken circa 1910, which appeared in the Report of the State Children's Council for 1914. The photograph is owned by the Department of Human Services of South Australia, who has given approval for the use of the image. Advance Australia Fair (microprinting): an early version of 'Advance Australia Fair' was sung at the inauguration ceremony at Centennial Park on 1 January 1901. 'Advance Australia Fair' was proclaimed as Australia's national anthem by the Governor-General on 19 April 1984. Excerpts from the current version of the anthem are reproduced as microprinting on this side of the note. Spence's Signature: based on a reference provided by the State Library of NSW. Sunburst: this element is a symbolic reference to Australia's warm, sunny climate and broad horizons. It is an interpretation by the designer taken from various posters and formal invitations to the 1901 Federation celebrations. Reference material was provided by the State Library of NSW. Southern Cross: the reference for this element was the Australian flag. Wattle element: stylised interpretation of a spray of wattle.

A summary of the security and design features of the new Federation $5 note

Release of new Federation $5 note

Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896)

Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910)