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Australia's currency is known as the Australian dollar, and it comes in both coins and notes. In 1988, the Reserve Bank of Australia issued $10 notes made of plastic polymer, and today, all Australian notes are made of polymer. Each note has a distinct colour, making it easy to distinguish between denominations. For example, the $50 note is yellow, while the $5 note is purple. In this paragraph, we will explore the history and design of Australian money, specifically focusing on its colour and appearance in the year 1990.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color | Prior to 1992, Australian banknotes were printed in a single dominant color: $5 - pink/purple, $10 - blue, $20 - brown/orange, $50 - green, and $100 - yellow/red/brown. |
| Size | The 1990 series had dimensions of 151 x 70 mm. |
| Obverse (Front) Design | The portraits of famous Australians: $5 - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, $10 - AB 'Banjo' Paterson, $20 - Mary Gilmore, $50 - David Unaipon, and $100 - Sir John Monash. |
| Reverse (Back) Design | Images of Australian history and culture: $5 - Parliament House, $10 - a group of people riding horses, $20 - a family of immigrants, $50 - a young boy holding an Aboriginal hunting weapon, and $100 - a woman with a book and a man with a pickaxe. |
| Material | Paper (polymer plastic notes were introduced in 1992) |
| Security Features | Watermarks, metallic thread, micro-printing, and fluorescent printing ink. |
| Issuance | The 1990 series was issued from 1990 to 1992. |
| Value | The denominations were $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. |
| Currency Name | Australian Dollar |
| Currency Code | AUD |
| Currency Symbol | $ |
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What You'll Learn
The $50 note was the largest denomination in 1990
In 1990, the colour of Australia's currency was quite different from what it is today. The notes were predominantly purple, with a distinct brown hue, and this colour scheme was a feature of the country's banknotes for many years. This colour scheme was used for the $5, $10, and $20 notes, which were in circulation alongside the $50 note. The $50 note, featuring a young Queen Elizabeth II on the front and a group of Aboriginal people on the back, was the largest denomination available in 1990. With dimensions of 158 x 65 mm, it was also the largest in terms of size. This note was part of the "Heritage" series, first issued in 1973, and was designed with a distinct colour to help differentiate it from other denominations.
The $50 note held a unique position in the Australian currency system at the time. As the highest value note, it played a crucial role in facilitating larger transactions and serving as a store of value for individuals and businesses alike. Its distinct colour and size made it instantly recognisable, and its presence in the "Heritage" series underscored its importance in the country's monetary system. The note's design also carried cultural and historical significance, showcasing the country's respect for its Indigenous heritage and its connection to the monarchy.
The note's purple and brown hues were not chosen arbitrarily. The colour purple has long been associated with royalty and nobility, reflecting the note's connection to the monarchy and its position as the highest denomination. The brown shade, on the other hand, added a sense of warmth and earthiness, perhaps alluding to the country's vast landscapes and the Indigenous cultural heritage featured on the note's reverse side. Together, these colours created a distinctive and memorable design that left an enduring impression on those who used and encountered the note.
The $50 note's status as the largest denomination in 1990 also carried practical implications. It allowed individuals to carry larger sums of money more discreetly and conveniently, especially during a time when electronic payment methods were not as prevalent. This made it particularly useful for travellers, business owners, and anyone conducting transactions requiring larger amounts of cash. The note's high value also reduced the physical bulk of currency, making it easier to manage and secure large sums of money, whether in personal safes or bank vaults.
The design and denomination of the $50 note underwent changes in the years following 1990. In 1995, a new $50 note was issued as part of the "Federation" series, featuring a different colour scheme and updated security features. This new note maintained its position as the largest denomination for a while, until the introduction of the $100 note in the same series in 1984. Nonetheless, the 1990 $50 note remains a significant part of Australia's monetary history, reflecting the country's economic landscape and design sensibilities during that period.
Today, the $50 note continues to be an essential part of Australia's currency system, although its design and security features have been updated to incorporate more advanced anti-counterfeiting measures. The current $50 note, issued in 2018 as part of the "Next Generation" polymer series, showcases a vibrant yellow and green colour scheme, a significant departure from the purple and brown hues of its predecessor. While the denomination has remained constant, the note's design continues to evolve to meet the changing needs and security standards of the modern economy.
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$1 and $2 notes were replaced by coins in 1984 and 1988, respectively
In the early 1990s, the colour of Australia's circulating currency would have been predominantly purple and grey, with some notes featuring a mix of brown, orange, and yellow. This is because, by 1990, Australia had already transitioned from $1 and $2 notes to coins, which had been introduced in the previous decades.
The $1 note, which was purple and featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the front and a kangaroo on the back, was replaced by the $1 coin in 1984. This coin is made of aluminium bronze and has a gold colour, with a depiction of a jumping kangaroo on the reverse side. Similarly, the $2 note was also phased out and replaced by a more durable coin in 1988. The $2 note was grey and had a portrait of Aboriginal Australian artist David Malangi's bark painting on the back. The new $2 coin is made of aluminium bronze like the $1 coin but has a unique, scalloped shape to distinguish it from other coins. It features an Aboriginal design by artist Stuart Devlin, depicting a stylised eagle and nest.
While the $1 and $2 notes were no longer in circulation by 1990, they had been an integral part of Australia's currency history. The $1 note was first issued in 1966 when Australia transitioned from pounds to dollars, and the $2 note followed in 1966. Both notes underwent design changes over the years, with the final versions featuring colourful, iconic Australian imagery. However, due to their low value and limited lifespan, it became more cost-effective to replace them with coins, ensuring longer-lasting and more durable forms of currency.
The replacement of the $1 and $2 notes with coins was part of a broader strategy to improve the efficiency and durability of Australia's currency. Coins are more durable than paper notes, especially for lower denominations that tend to circulate more frequently and undergo greater wear and tear. The introduction of the $1 and $2 coins also brought Australia in line with international trends, as many other countries had already adopted similar coin denominations. This transition not only reduced the cost of producing and replacing worn-out notes but also helped to streamline the currency system, making transactions easier and more convenient for Australians.
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Coins are produced by the Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) is Australia's national mint and the primary production facility for the country's circulating coins. It is a government agency operating within the Commonwealth Government portfolio of the Treasury. The Mint is a Non-Corporate Commonwealth Entity and is listed under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
The Royal Australian Mint is the sole supplier of Australia's circulating coinage and is responsible for producing distinctively Australian coins. The Mint first opened in Canberra in 1965, with the aim of facilitating a smooth transition from British imperial pounds, shillings, and pence to Australia's own decimal dollars and cents. The first Australian decimal coins were introduced in 1966.
Most coins produced by the Royal Australian Mint are basic circulating coins that fall under the decimal denomination. The general Royal Australian Mint circulated coins include the 50-cent coin, the one-dollar coin, and the two-dollar coin. The 50-cent coin was originally circular with a milled edge and an 80% silver composition. However, in 1969, its composition changed to 75% copper and 25% nickel, and it took on a dodecagonal shape with plain edges. The one-dollar coin, introduced in 1984, has a circular shape with an interrupted milled edge and a five-kangaroos design. The two-dollar coin, introduced in 1988, also has a circular shape with an interrupted milled edge, but its design features an Australian Aboriginal elder with the Southern Cross and Australian flora.
The Royal Australian Mint also produces commemorative coins, which celebrate organisations, events, or people that represent important aspects of Australia's culture and history. These coins may be circulated or uncirculated. In addition to circulating coins, the Mint manufactures collector coins, investor products, medals, medallions, and tokens for domestic and international clients. The Mint also serves as the custodian of the National Coin Collection, responsible for collecting and preserving a representative record of Australian coinage for future generations.
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Notes are printed by the Reserve Bank of Australia
Australia's banknotes are printed by Note Printing Australia Limited (NPA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia. NPA is based on a 26-hectare site in Craigieburn, Victoria, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne. The site is highly secure, with features such as high-security perimeter fencing, armed guards, and advanced electronic security and surveillance systems.
NPA has been printing Australia's currency notes since 1913, when it was established as a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank. In July 1998, NPA became a separately incorporated subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia. Over the years, NPA has expanded its operations and now offers a range of security products based on its innovative polymer note-printing technology.
The process of printing Australian banknotes is intricate and involves several steps. It begins with melting plastic pellets and blowing them into a large bubble, which is then pressed and cooled to create a laminated polymer film. This film is cut into sheets, printed with white ink to enhance colour adhesion, and then run through a press that prints both sides simultaneously to ensure perfect alignment.
NPA was a pioneer in polymer banknote technology, introducing the world's first polymer banknote in 1988. This innovation was driven by the need to enhance security after forgeries of the $10 paper decimal note in the mid-1960s. NPA's polymer banknotes are now issued in over 60 countries, and the company has won numerous awards for its printing capabilities.
The Reserve Bank of Australia plays a crucial role in the production and distribution of banknotes. It undertakes programs to improve the quality and security of notes in circulation. The National Note Processing and Distribution Centre, operated by NPA under contract from the Reserve Bank, is responsible for reissuing or withdrawing Australian notes, contributing to the high productivity and efficiency of the banknote printing process.
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Australian money features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
The colour of Australian currency notes can be traced back to the country's history and its ties with the British monarchy. The design and colour scheme of Australian money have evolved over the years, but one constant feature since its introduction in 1966 has been the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the front of each note. Australia has a unique relationship with the British monarchy, and this is reflected in the country's currency. Since the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Australian notes have featured her portrait as a sign of respect and recognition of her role as the monarch of Australia. The current design of Australian currency notes, which was introduced in the early 1990s, features a dominant shade of mauve or purple. This colour scheme is believed to have been chosen to represent the regal nature of the monarch and to distinguish the Australian dollar from other currencies.
The Queen's portrait on Australian money is a testament to her significance in the country's history and modern democracy. As the Queen of Australia, she is the symbolic head of state, and her role is recognised and respected by the presence of her portrait on the currency. Each note in the Australian dollar denomination features a different image of Queen Elizabeth II, with the current series featuring images from different stages of her long reign. The $5 note features a younger Queen, with the image based on a photograph taken in the 1960s, while the $100 note depicts a more recent portrait, showcasing the Queen in her later years.
The process of selecting the Queen's portrait for Australian currency is a meticulous one. It involves a collaboration between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Commonwealth Treasury. The RBA is responsible for the design and issue of Australian currency, while the Treasury provides advice and approval for the final design. The RBA engages artists or designers to create the portraits, and these artists are carefully selected for their expertise and ability to capture an accurate and dignified likeness of the Queen. The chosen artists work closely with the RBA to ensure that the final portrait not only meets the aesthetic standards but also adheres to the technical requirements of currency design.
Over the years, the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on Australian notes has undergone subtle changes to reflect her ageing. These updates ensure that the Queen's image remains current and recognisable to Australians. The process of updating the Queen's portrait typically involves a new photograph being taken, which is then used as a reference for artists to create a fresh design. The new design is then meticulously engraved onto steel printing plates, ensuring an accurate and detailed representation of the Queen's likeness. This intricate process is a testament to the care and attention given to the monarch's presence on Australia's currency.
The colour mauve, which is prominent in the Australian currency's colour scheme, is also symbolic. It is said to represent nobility, dignity, and royalty, making it a fitting choice for a currency that honours the monarch. The use of mauve also sets the Australian dollar apart from other currencies, giving it a unique identity. The combination of the Queen's portrait and the distinctive colour scheme creates a sense of continuity and tradition in Australian currency, linking the country's past with its present. This design choice serves as a constant reminder of Australia's historical connection to the British monarchy and the role of the Queen as the country's head of state.
The presence of Queen Elizabeth II on Australian currency is a reminder of the country's constitutional monarchy and its unique relationship with the United Kingdom. While the colours and designs of the notes may evolve over time, the inclusion of the Queen's portrait is expected to remain a constant feature. This enduring symbol of the monarchy reflects Australia's respect for tradition and serves as a connection between the nation's past and its future. The design and colour of Australian money are carefully considered elements that not only ensure the security and recognition of the currency but also reflect the country's history, values, and cultural identity.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1990, Australian banknotes would have been a variety of colours. The $50 note was yellow, and the $5 note was purple. The $10 note issued in 1988 was made of plastic and featured a transparent window with a diffractive optically variable device (DOVD) image of Captain James Cook.
Australian coins have a heads side and a tails side. The heads side features a picture of Queen Elizabeth II and the year it was made. The tails side has a special Australian design and shows the amount that the coin is worth. Each coin has a different design and size.
Australian notes have different colours to help distinguish between denominations.
Australian notes are made of polymer plastic. Australia was the first country to print notes on polymer plastic instead of paper.
