Damon Mcknight
The Australian $100 bill was first issued in 1984 as a paper note, in response to inflation requiring larger denominations for transactions. The paper issue was released on 31 March 1984, and features a portrait of Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. Since then, there have been two different issues of this denomination. The most recent $100 bill was released into general circulation on 29 October 2020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Issued | 1984 |
| Type | Paper note |
| Colour | Turquoise-blue |
| Portrait | Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson |
| Background | Mountain range with geological strata |
| Reverse | Astronomer John Tebbutt |
| Reverse Background | Observatory, local church |
| Polymer Issue Date | 15 May 1996 |
| Polymer Designer | Bruce Stewart |
| Polymer Portrait | Dame Nellie Melba, Sir John Monash |
| Polymer Additional Images | First World War, John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey |
| Latest Circulation | 29 October 2020 |
| Percentage in Circulation (as of June 2017) | 22% |
| Percentage of Total Value for all Denominations (as of June 2017) | 46% |
| Plans to Abolish | None |
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What You'll Learn
The $100 bill was first issued in 1984 as a paper note
The $100 bill was first issued in Australia in 1984 as a paper note. The introduction of the $100 note was in response to inflation requiring larger denominations for transactions. The paper note was a very light turquoise-blue colour and featured a portrait of Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, with a mountain range and geological strata in the background. A large diamond shape appeared to the left of the main picture. The reverse side of the note featured astronomer John Tebbutt, with the observatory he built and a local church in the background.
The paper note was released on Monday, 31 March 1984, and was in circulation until a new polymer note was introduced in May 1996. The polymer note features portraits of soprano Dame Nellie Melba and engineer and First World War General Sir John Monash, along with images from the First World War.
Despite the note's high value, it is not commonly used in transactions. Many businesses do not accept the $100 note, and it is often associated with the black economy and drug dealing. In 2016, there were reports that Australia considered abolishing the $100 note to close loopholes used by the black economy. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia stated that there are no plans to abolish the note.
As of June 2017, there were 337 million $100 notes in circulation, accounting for 22% of all notes in circulation and 46% of the total value for all denominations. A new $100 banknote was released into general circulation on 29 October 2020.
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A polymer note was introduced in 1996
The $100 note in Australia has undergone several transformations since its introduction, with a significant change occurring in 1996. This was the year when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) introduced a polymer version of the $100 bill, marking a departure from traditional paper currency.
The polymer note was a groundbreaking innovation in the world of currency, offering enhanced security features and durability compared to its paper predecessor. This new type of note was made from a thin, flexible plastic material, which proved to be more secure, longer-lasting, and more difficult to counterfeit than paper notes. The introduction of the polymer $100 bill was part of a broader strategy by the RBA to upgrade the security and design of Australia's currency, starting with the higher denominations.
The 1996 polymer $100 note retained many of the design elements of the previous paper note, including the portrait of Sir John Monash, a prominent Australian civil engineer, soldier, and banker. The note also featured a number of intricate security features, such as a transparent window with a complex, multi-colored print, micro-printing, and a watermark. These features made it significantly more challenging for counterfeiters to replicate the note successfully.
The use of polymer substrate for the new $100 note brought several advantages. Polymer notes are more durable and resistant to tearing and wear and tear compared to paper notes. They are also more hygienic, as the plastic material is non-porous and less likely to absorb dirt and contaminants. Additionally, the polymer notes can be produced at a lower cost compared to traditional paper notes, making them a more economically sustainable choice for the RBA.
The introduction of the polymer $100 note in 1996 was a significant milestone in the evolution of Australia's currency. It showcased the country's commitment to staying at the forefront of currency innovation and maintaining the integrity of its monetary system. The success of the polymer $100 note also paved the way for the subsequent release of polymer versions of other denominations, further enhancing the security and durability of Australia's currency.
Over two decades after its introduction, the 1996 polymer $100 note continues to be an integral part of Australia's currency system, with its advanced security features and durable polymer substrate ensuring its longevity and resilience in circulation.
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The bill features Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash
The $100 Australian bill was first introduced in 1984 as a paper note. Since then, it has undergone several changes, including the introduction of a polymer note in 1996 and a new design in 2020. The bill features Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash, two prominent Australians with remarkable achievements.
Dame Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell in 1861, was an internationally renowned soprano. She performed in major cities around the world, including London, Paris, Milan, and New York. Her most famous role was Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème. In addition to her musical career, Melba contributed to the arts through her teaching at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, now known as the Melba Opera Trust, in her hometown of Melbourne. She also published a singing tutorial, the Melba Method, in 1926, and was the first Australian to grace the cover of Time magazine in 1927. Melba's talent and personality captivated audiences, and she is remembered as a legendary figure in the opera world.
Sir John Monash was a soldier, engineer, and administrator who served as one of Australia's greatest military commanders during World War I. He played a significant role in the First Battle of Hamel, which inspired a series of victories, ultimately leading to the breaking of the Hindenburg Line. Monash was also recognised for his expertise in reinforced concrete for civil construction projects. After the war, he dedicated his life to civic work, streamlining procedures for the repatriation of Australian soldiers and aiding their transition back into civilian life. Monash's leadership and contributions to Australia's infrastructure development have cemented his legacy as a respected and influential figure in the country's history.
The inclusion of Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash on the $100 bill recognises their significant contributions to Australian culture, arts, and history. Their achievements continue to inspire and shape the country, and their legacy is honoured through their presence on the nation's currency. The bill serves as a reminder of their talent, dedication, and impact on Australia's global reputation.
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The bill is accessible to people with visual impairments
The $100 Australian banknote was first introduced in 1984 as a paper note. Since then, it has undergone several changes, with the most recent $100 bill being released into circulation on 29 October 2020. This new bill is a significant milestone for the country's currency as it is now accessible to people with visual impairments.
The latest $100 bill features raised bumps on its long edges, enabling people with low vision or blindness to easily identify it through touch. This tactile feature is now included on all Australian banknotes, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments can accurately and independently identify and use cash. More than 350,000 Australians with low vision or blindness can now experience the same level of independence when using cash as the rest of the population.
The inclusion of these tactile features is a result of collaboration between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the blind and low-vision community. This development aligns with the RBA's commitment to making society more accessible and inclusive. By incorporating these accessibility features, the RBA has set a positive example for other organisations to follow.
The $100 bill is part of the next generation of Australian currency, which prioritises inclusivity and accessibility. The release of this bill ensures that all denominations of Australian banknotes are now accessible to individuals with visual impairments. This milestone is a testament to Australia's efforts to create a more inclusive financial system that empowers people with disabilities to manage their money independently.
The accessibility of the $100 bill is particularly noteworthy as it is one of the most widely circulated denominations in Australia. As of June 2017, there were approximately 337 million $100 notes in circulation, accounting for 22% of all notes in circulation. This high circulation highlights the importance of ensuring that the $100 bill is accessible to all Australians, regardless of their visual abilities.
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Australia considered abolishing the note in 2016
The Australian $100 note was first issued in 1984 as a paper note. It was released in response to inflation, which required larger denominations for transactions. The note has since been updated with a new design and material—in May 1996, a green polymer note was introduced, replacing the original light turquoise-blue paper note.
In December 2016, there were media reports that Australia considered abolishing its $100 note. This was part of an effort to close loopholes used by the "black economy," which accounts for 1.5% of Australia's GDP. Kelly O'Dwyer, the revenue and financial services minister at the time, stated that the government was reviewing the $100 note and cash payments over certain limits to recoup billions in unpaid tax. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia officially stated that there were no plans to abolish the $100 note.
The $100 note is the country's highest-denomination banknote, and it plays a significant role in the Australian economy. In June 2017, there were approximately 337 million $100 notes in circulation, accounting for 22% of the total notes in circulation and 46% of the total value for all denominations. The decision to abolish the $100 note would have had a considerable impact on the country's currency system and the accessibility of cash transactions for Australians.
Despite the initial considerations, the $100 note remained in circulation. On October 29, 2020, a new $100 banknote was released into general circulation, featuring raised bumps on its long edges. This tactile feature, first introduced on Australian banknotes in 2016, improved accessibility for individuals with blindness or low vision. The new $100 note allowed individuals with visual impairments to independently identify and use all of Australia's currency, enhancing their independence when using cash.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian $100 bill was first introduced in 1984 as a paper note.
The $100 bill was initially a very light turquoise-blue paper note.
The current $100 bill is a green polymer note. It was released on 29 October 2020.
The $100 bill features portraits of Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash.
The $100 bill has a tactile feature to help the vision-impaired community distinguish between different denominations of banknotes. It also features raised bumps on the note's long edges.
