australia polymer banknotes

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2019 - Here I have a complete collection of all Australian polymer notes (single note) issued since 1988, including all commemorative / numismatic notes, joint issues and special serial numbered issues. The only set that I do not have, at the moment, is the 1998 $10 Portraits AA98/AB98 (with or without frame). This $10 Portrait set was a failure at that time and the series was later withdrawn as it was not popular among collectors. The price was not right then for me too and that was why I didn't buy them. It was the NPA intention then to release all portrait sets on a yearly basis starting with the $10 note and collectors were also given the opportunity to get them all with matching serial numbers too. Unfortunately this was not to be the case.

* Australian banknotes are also the official currency of Christmas Island, Norfolk Islands, Keeling and Cocos Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu. The Australian banknotes were also once circulating as an official currency of Hebrides (Vanuatu), Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands prior to gaining independence. *

"no borrowed scans here nor i cut and pasted from other web sites. all notes posted here are all mine"

26 January 1988

...Australia - 1988 $10 First Prints Bicentenary Commemorative Issue Error Note

Australia

1988 $10 World First Polymer Note Bicentenary Commemorative Issue
Signatures
Governor - Robert Alan 'Bob' Johnstone
Secretary - Bernard William 'Bernie' Fraser

These are the first issues of the 1988 $10 Australia Bicentenary polymer issue on 26.01.1988 celebrating the 200th year of European settlement in Australia. These are the only notes (with serial numbers starting with "93", "94" and "96" were ever released before the faulty optically variable device (OVD) was discovered. On the third day following the release of this new note, a commercial TV station reported that Captain Cook's optically variable device can be removed simply by rubbing it with a pencil eraser. The notes were subsequently withdrawn from circulation. New reprints were re-ordered and released on 24.10.1988. Despite a short release, these notes are still quite affordable.

Prefix ranges issued were AB10 to AB33. The last prefix of AB33 is rare.

Ten Dollars, ND1988 P49
Error OVD, S/N ABxx 93xxxx
S/N ABxx 94xxxx
S/N ABxx 96xxxx



2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM

    Hi
    I found your post while looking for the value of some notes I own. I have 2 consecutive 1988 $10 notes. Serial nos AB 21941530 and
    AB 21941531. I believe they are in Uncirculated condition, kept in my note collection folder. I have no idea of their value as I am note a collector as such. I am a historian and I have a collection of significant Australiana, of which these are a small part. Would you be able to provide some guidance on their value as I am retirement age now and selling off my collection. Any assistance is kindly appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. meJuly 16, 2025 at 9:55 PM

      Thank you for your message. Based on the serial number you have provided, I believe yours came from the first print - error Captain Cook's OVD. IMO, your note is worth around A$60 to $70 each. The best way to find the value is to check out eBay.com.au. Please bear in mind that those listed on eBay the sellers usually include fees and charges that have to pay and as such you will find their prices a bit higher. I can also see a dealer selling this for just A$45. 

      Good luck

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