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Queen Elizabeth II's image has been a fixture on Australian money since 1953, and she has appeared on more currencies than any other monarch in history. However, in February 2023, Australia's central bank announced that its new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design instead of an image of King Charles III. This decision follows the country's ongoing debate over its constitutional ties to Britain and efforts to acknowledge Indigenous people in the constitution. While Queen Elizabeth II's image will be removed from Australian banknotes, it is important to note that the monarch is still expected to appear on coins, maintaining the tradition of depicting the reigning monarch on Australian currency.
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What You'll Learn
Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies
Queen Elizabeth II has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait has also been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empire's colonial reach.
At one time, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, an achievement noted by Guinness World Records. Her image is still featured on money in places where she remains a beloved figure, such as Canada, and countries that continue to incorporate the Union Jack into their flags, like Australia and New Zealand.
She's also found on notes and coins issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the monetary authority for a group of small nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
However, other places have long stopped putting her face on their currency. After Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, its central bank replaced the queen on paper notes with portraits of national heroes such as Marcus Garvey. Notes in the Seychelles now feature local wildlife instead of the queen.
Following the Queen's death, it was announced that her portrait on British notes and coins is expected to be replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it won't be immediate. The Royal Mint, which is the official maker of British coins, said all coins with her portrait "remain legal tender and in circulation".
Similarly, Australia is removing the British monarchy from its bank notes. The nation's central bank said its new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III. However, the king is still expected to appear on coins that currently bear the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The $5 bill was Australia's only remaining banknote to still feature an image of the monarch.
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The $5 bill was Australia's only remaining banknote to feature the Queen
Australia is removing the British monarchy from its bank notes. The nation's central bank announced on 2 February 2023 that its new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III. The $5 bill was Australia's only remaining banknote to feature the Queen.
The decision to remove the British monarchy from Australia's bank notes follows consultation with the centre-left Labor Party government, which supported the change. However, opponents of the move argue that it is politically motivated. While the British monarch remains Australia's head of state, this role is largely symbolic.
Like many former British colonies, Australia is debating the extent to which it should retain its constitutional ties to Britain. The removal of the monarchy from the country's currency is a significant step in this ongoing debate. It is worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II appeared on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch, according to the Guinness World Records.
The new $5 bill in Australia will feature a design that honours "the culture and history of the First Australians," according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that the change is an opportunity to strike a good balance. He added that the monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 note will better represent Australia's history, heritage, and country.
The transition to Australian coins featuring an effigy of King Charles III is expected to occur gradually. The Royal Australian Mint expects the new coins to be in circulation by 2023. The first coin to feature King Charles III will be the gold Australian dollar, with approximately 10 million coins expected to be in circulation.
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The new $5 bill will feature an Indigenous design
Australia has removed the British monarchy from its bank notes. The nation’s central bank announced on Thursday, February 2, 2023, that its new $5 bill will feature an Indigenous design instead of an image of King Charles III. The $5 bill was Australia’s only remaining bank note to still feature an image of the monarch. The bank said the decision followed consultation with the center-left Labor Party government, which supported the change.
The decision to remove the British monarchy from Australia's bank notes comes as the country debates to what extent it should retain its constitutional ties to Britain. While the British monarch remains Australia’s head of state, this role is largely symbolic. Australia voted in a 1999 referendum to maintain the British monarch as its head of state. However, the government has committed to holding a referendum this year to acknowledge Indigenous people in the constitution.
Queen Elizabeth II has been a fixture on Australian money since 1953, appearing on at least 33 different currencies, more than any other monarch. The transition to Australian coins featuring an effigy of King Charles III is expected to occur gradually, with the Royal Australian Mint announcing the introduction of the new British monarch's image in October 2023. The first coin to feature King Charles III will be the gold Australian dollar, with approximately 10 million coins expected to be in circulation by Christmas.
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The British monarch remains Australia's head of state
Australia has removed the British monarchy from its bank notes, with the nation's new $5 bill featuring an Indigenous design instead of an image of King Charles III. The king is still expected to appear on coins that currently bear the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The $5 bill was Australia's only remaining banknote to feature an image of the monarch.
Australian constitutional law provides that the person who is the monarch of the United Kingdom will also be the monarch of Australia. The development of the Australian monarchy into an independent entity began in 1770 when Captain James Cook, under instruction from King George III, claimed the east coast of Australia. The six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The Australia Act 1986 ensured that the British government could not advise the monarch on any matters concerning Australia.
There is a dispute as to who is considered the head of state of Australia—the monarch, the governor-general, or both. The Australian constitution does not mention the term "head of state". The governor-general's website states that the office holder is, in practice, Australia's head of state. The governor-general carries out all the functions usually performed by a head of state and is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister of Australia. The United Nations list of heads of state has, for Australia, "(His Majesty King Charles III)", in brackets, above the name and title of the Governor-General.
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King Charles III's image will debut on Australian coins
Australia has removed the image of Queen Elizabeth II from its $5 bill, replacing it with an Indigenous design. The nation's central bank announced on 2 February 2023 that the new bill would no longer feature an image of the monarch. The banknote is Australia's only remaining currency to still feature the British monarchy.
The decision to remove Queen Elizabeth II from the $5 bill has sparked debate about Australia's constitutional ties to Britain. While the British monarch remains Australia's head of state, this role is largely symbolic. Australia is now debating the extent of its connection to the British monarchy.
Despite removing the monarchy from its banknote, Australia has confirmed that King Charles III will appear on its coins. The Royal Australian Mint recently announced the introduction of the new monarch's image, marking a significant change in Australian currency. The first coin to feature King Charles III is the gold Australian dollar, with approximately 10 million coins expected to be in circulation by Christmas.
The transition to coins bearing the image of King Charles III has been carefully planned, according to the Assistant Minister for Treasury, Andrew Leigh. He stated that the change was not rushed following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September the previous year. The new coins will bear the king's left profile and will not feature a crown.
The effigy of King Charles III was unveiled in October 2023, and the first coins bearing his image were released into circulation in late 2023. The Royal Australian Mint has now released its 2024 six-coin year set, featuring the king's image on all six coins. This marks the first time in 59 years that a new monarch has appeared on the full suite of Australian coins.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia removed Queen Elizabeth II from its $5 bill, the only remaining bank note to feature the monarch. The new bill will feature an Indigenous design.
King Charles III will replace Queen Elizabeth on Australian coins. The coins will bear the king's left profile and will not feature a crown.
The decision to remove Queen Elizabeth from Australian money was made in consultation with the center-left Labor Party government, which supported the change. Opponents of the decision claim it is politically motivated.
