australia polymerbanknotes

Australia 2010 Reprints Last Prefix

2011-10-29T00:02:00.001+11:00

Twenty Dollars, ND2010 Last Prefix DA10

Fifty Dollars, ND2010 Last Prefix GB10

One Hundred Dollars, ND2010 Last Prefix EL10
Low mintage. Only 57,999 pieces printed

Australia 2010 Reprints First Prefix

2011-08-06T00:01:00.004+10:00

Twenty Dollars, ND2010 AA First Prefix

Fifty Dollars, ND2010 AA First Prefix

One Hundred Dollars, ND2010 AA First Prefix

Bi-Centenary 1988 $10 Strip of 4

2011-07-15T00:01:00.004+10:00

Ten Dollars, Dated 26.1.1988 Commemorative P49a

Strip of 4 with Top Selvedge, only 1,673 Strips Issued

Reverse

Note: Apology as my scanner is not large enough to scan the entire 4-Uncut sheet.

Australia $50 - First and Last Issues

2011-02-04T00:01:00.002+11:00

Fifty Dollars, Dated 4.10.1995 P54a
Commemorating First Issue AA95 000 787Reverse (date of issue printed in red)

Fifty Dollars, ND1993 Commemorating Last Paper Issue P47i

Reverse

This is a pair of $50 released in 1995 to mark the end of the $50 paper note and the beginning of the polymer series. Both notes are signed by Bernie Fraser and Ted Evans. Both notes have red serial numbers and an overprint date of "4 October 1995" imprinted on the back of the polymer note. The interesting about this paper note is that, not only did it features red serial numbers, but also for the first and only time that the serial numbers format of AA95 is used. All previous paper notes issued were printed with the 3 letters prefix. One thousand sets printed but only 900 sets were issued to the public with the first 100 sets retained by the Reserve Bank.

Unfortunately I didn't get the folder for these notes.

Secretary to The Treasury

2010-12-21T18:50:00.004+11:00

Dr Ken Henry, whose signature has been appearing on Australian polymer notes since 2002 will step down as Secretary to the Treasury in February 2011. He will be replaced by Martin Parkinson, and with that we will expect new signature on new notes to be issued. However, given that only the 2009 print ($50) has been released so far, notes with new signature may not be available to collectors, perhaps until 2012 for 2011 prints. Well, still a long way to go then!

1995 $50 VG95 Last prefix

2010-08-02T20:16:00.004+10:00

Fifty Dollars, ND1995, VG95 Last PrefixThis is one tough last prefix note to get, especially in aUNC or UNC condition. I got this one from the ATM, and the note is in good to fair condition. Considering this is a 1995 print, the condition of this note is acceptable. It could be worst.

1996 Annual Folder Red Serial Number #739

2010-07-03T17:28:00.007+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

All Matching Red Serial Numbers AA96 000 739

Five Dollars

(Missing the $10 note here)

Twenty Dollars

Fifty Dollars

Missing is the $10 folder note.

2009 Print

2010-07-01T00:01:00.004+10:00

Governor - Glenn Stevens
Secretary - Dr Ken Henry
Fifty Dollars, ND2009 P60b
First Prefix "AA09" (Mintage 999,999)

Last Prefix "SF09" (Mintage 531,599)

2008 $50 MD08 Last Prefix

2010-06-10T07:07:00.009+10:00

This is the 2008 $50 MD08 last prefix (P60b), released in September 2009. If you have one in uncirculated condition, you should be laughing by now. The reason is that dealers are now selling this note in uncirculated condition for approx. $150 each, as compared to $90 for the AA08 first prefix. You might be wondering why. It’s simple. Less than 50,000 pieces of the last prefix were printed as compared to a million for the AA08 prefix. One would expect the value of this MD08 note to appreciate much faster than the AA08 note given the low mintage. This note is now been replaced by the 2009 print.

Personally, since Australia has ceased printing replacement notes to replace those rejected prints, to me, last prefix is more like replacement note and should worth more than those first prefix notes. I also note that in most cases, the quantity of last prefix notes are printed much less than those printed for the first prefix or AA notes.

Australia First and Last prefix notes

2010-04-18T11:36:00.003+10:00

Collectors sometime asked the question as to why people go for first and last prefix notes. Why, when some printers print notes with special prefix (replacement) to replace those error or rejected notes. Won’t be the replacement notes are worth much more than the first or last prefix? In most cases, there are, as replacement prefix are unique and are usually issued in much lower quantity that any other prefixes printed.

So why First and Last prefix? Personally, I do not have an answer for you. Perhaps this has something to do with the collectors trends; especially the first prefix can be easily recognised by collectors ie A, AA or A/1 etc.

But the question is still why? Isn’t every serial numbers are unique and no two serial numbers are the same? Well, of course if you have notes with extremely low serial numbers, solids, radars, ladders, repeaters or whatever numbers that pleased a collector’s eyes, then of course such note would command a premium as compared to others with normal serial number/prefix notes.

Whilst many collectors around the world specifically collect these first and last prefix notes, like collectors from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UK, Canada and many part of the world, I believe that the last prefix notes would usually have a much better investment returns than the first. Generally speaking, my explaining is quite simple. Every collector, regardless of how acknowledgeable they are, one should be able to identify the first prefix note. But how do they know what prefix is the last prefix series? Most Central Bank would not or unwilling to provide such information due to confidentially reasons. And in some case, because of the lack of such information, most collectors would not know until the final print is issued, and by that time, it may be too late to get one at a decent price. I understand that there are avail collectors that made a habit to collect every single prefixes issued, but then one must have the financial resources to do that especially those high value notes, and not many collectors can afford that kind of collection. Keeping them is like having death money not generating any returns at all.

Based on past experience, Australian last prefix note tends to have a much better returns that those first prefix notes. Generally speaking, I am referring to polymer notes here only as Australia has creased printing replacement notes in the 70s. Just to give an example, if you are looking for a 1995 $50 with AA prefix, this note may cost you few hundred dollars to get one. But if you are looking for the last prefix ie VG95, be prepared to fork out few grands to have one. I am not sure what the current market value is, but I am having difficulty in just getting one in any condition at the moment. There are still plenty of 1995 prints in general circulation, but finding one with VG letters is like looking for a needle in a hay stack!

For those who may not aware of this, the Australia 2008 $50 prints, a million were printed for the AA08 first prefix. However less than 50,000 pieces were printed for the last prefix MD08. At this moment, I have not seen any sudden appreciation on this last prefix note yet, however time will tell. However if you have bought one for the AA prefix, perhaps it is not too late to get one MD prefix too.

Update: Just saw a dealer listed the following selling price for the $50 2008 prints; -
AA08 First prefix = $90; and
MD08 Last prefix = $150

Australia CSIRO Commemorative (Not Legal Tender)

2010-04-05T07:20:00.005+10:00

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Celebrating 80 years of inventions and successes. This note is printed on the same material as those polymer notes used in Australia. Note issued as a novelty and it comes with a wallet folder.

Obverse

Reverse

CSIRO is the national government body for scientific research in Australia. It's origin date from the early years of World War I where the Australian Government established the Advisory Council of Science and Industry as the first step towards a 'national laboratory'. Several years later the agency was reorganised and in 1926 established the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The aim of the CSIR was to carry out scientific research to assist primary and secondary industries in Australia, mainly in the farming, mining and manufacture sectors.

Between the 1930s and 1940s, research was conducted in the fields of; -

- animal pests and diseases;

- plant pests and diseases;

- fuel problems, especially liquid fuels;

- preservation of foodstuffs, especially cold storage;

- forest products.

During the World War II (1939-1945), CSIR involved in the research to assist the Australian Defence Forces, in areas such as radar.

After the war, it expanded it's research to include areas such as building materials, wool textiles, coal, atmospheric physics, physical metallurgy and assessment of land resources.

In 1949, CSIR ceased all secret or classified work for the military and was renamed CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Since then CSIRO has expanded its activities to almost every field of primary, secondary and tertiary industry. These include research into the environment, human nutrition, conservation, urban and rural planning and water.

Some of CSIRO’s scientific breakthroughs include:

- advanced radio astronomy;

- atomic absorption spectroscopy;

- biological control of rabbits;

- gene shears;

- plastic (polymer) banknotes;

- night and day contact lenses;

CSIRO continues to meet today's challenges by providing innovative solutions, including:

- creating new medical diagnostic tools;

- improving food standards;

- developing new metal processing techniques;

- researching clean affordable energy options;

- designing systems to better predict ocean conditions;

- combating dryland salinity.

Today, CSIRO is one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

In 2006 CSIRO celebrates its 80th anniversary, and as such the above commemorative "notes" were printed. Whilst I do not know how many of these were printed, it is believed in the vicinity of 6,000 plus as every staff at CSIRO, is presented with one each.

Footnote: I got this note at a very affortable price. Since I got this note in 2006, I have seen dealers selling them in excess of A$75 each. In my opinion, and in case you are looking for one, this is not worth the money. It's more like a thin plastic cardboard than a banknote. Despite having one in my collection, I have no idea where I have stored this note. Needless to say, this is not importance enough for me to store this in a secured place!

Collectors from Europe

2010-03-08T07:54:00.002+11:00

Dear Collectors,

I am looking for, and if possible, a complete set of the current English pounds from 5 to 50 quids in uncirculated condition. If you are from England and you are looking for an exchange partner, please contact me with a chat to see if we can come to an arrangement. I can offer you a full set of Australian 2008 prints in uncirculated condition.

In addition to the above, I am also keen to get intouch with collectors from: -

Northern Ireland;
Scotland;
Scandinavia; and
Eastern Europe.

If you have any current banknotes of your own country in uncirculated condition to offer, please contact me for a chat. Leave a message on any of my postings and I will come back to you. Your message will not be published unless you want me to.

Thanks.

Australia $5 'BA' First Prefix Note

2010-02-14T11:43:00.000+11:00

Overseas collectors may sometime wondering why Australian $5 polymer notes first prefix is printed with letters ‘BA’ and not ‘AA’ like the rest of the denominations.

Here is my brief explanation.

The introduction of the polymer notes also saw a change in the numbering of the serial numbers. The two letters and the first two digits are the prefix and the remaining digits are the serial numbers. Whilst the first $5 polymer was introduced to the public in 1992, this new numbering system was not adopted until the following year in 1993.

The prefixes for the 1992 print used ranging from ‘AA00’ to ‘AB19’, and since the ‘Year Dated’ format seems to have been used for the 1992 print, NPA has decided not have those prefix repeated and has decided to commence the $5 note first prefix with ‘BA’ instead.

Despite saying this, however $5 ‘AA’ first prefix was used for the following issues: -

* The 1995 $5 recoloured note, but only for one year and it was then reverted back to ‘BA’ the following year; and
* All Annual Folders series including both red and black series numbers;

In view of the above, it is unlikely that the $5 prefix with ‘AA’ letters will be used again for a very long time.

Just a footnote for the First and Last Letter prefix collection in Australia. Since Australia ceased printing replacement notes in the 70s, collectors have since then concentrating on first and last prefix series. Generally speaking, last letters prefix notes command a much better premium that the first prefix notes. The explanation as to why is quite simple.

Firstly, since the ‘Year Dated’ system adopted, apart from the $5 note, first prefix notes for all other denominations were printed with letters ‘AA’. Collectors can easily recognise them.

As for the last prefix notes, back in the early days when polymer notes were issued, such information were not that easily available to collectors. And for that most collectors would not have aware of such information until few years later. Becaues of this, many collectors would have missed out on this and as such a higher primium is demanded.

I hope you have better luck than me.

Australia $50 Repeater

2010-02-03T20:01:00.002+11:00

Another one came from the ATM. This note at best is in Fine condition (many folds and creases) but still in good condition. Whilst this is a repeater, if you turn the note upside down it reads as "ILL ILL SO". Should I call this a "sick" note?

$50 ND2008

2010-01-23T12:34:00.003+11:00

Got this ND2008 note with repeat serial numbers 98 98 98 from the ATM recently. Condition of the note is almost uncirculated (with 2 minor dent marks on either side of the note). Looks like these are teller flicks. Mostly likely I will spend this at the next opportunity. If only it was in UNC condition would be great.

Australia 2008 Prints

2009-12-11T12:33:00.005+11:00

Dear Friends & Visitors

If you are looking for the 2008 in full set, please contact me or place a comment on this message providing me with your contact details and I will come back to you for what I can offer. Don't forget to tell me which country you are from too. I will not be publishing your message unless you want me to do so.

I am hoping to exchange my full set of 2008 Australian uncirculated notes with collectors from Africa, America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe or wherever you are from, of course. I am only interested in current issues of banknotes from your country in uncirculated condition.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

Tenure of Governors and Secretaries to the Treasury

2009-11-06T15:53:00.009+11:00

Tenure of Reserve Bank Governors and Secretaries to the Treasury (Polymer Notes only)

Robert Johnstone (14.8.82-17.7.89) & Bernie Fraser (17.9.84-17.9.89)
Bernie Fraser (18.9.89-17.9.96) & Tony Cole (14.2.91-23.3.93)
Bernie Fraser (18.9.89-17.9.96) & Ted Evans (10.5.93-16.4.01)
Ian Macfarlane (18.9.96-17.19.06) & Ted Evans (10.5.93-16.4.01)
Ian Macfarlane (18.9.96-17.9.06) & Ken Henry (27.4.01-Now)
Glenn Stevens (since 18.9.06) & Ken Henry (since 27.4.01)

The following is a snap shot of all polymer circulating notes issued since 1992: -

$5 – 1992, ‘93, ‘95, ’96(*), ‘97, ‘98, ‘01(**), ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07 & ‘08
$10 – 1993, ‘94, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘02, ‘03, ‘06, ‘07 & ‘08
$20 – 1994, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07 & ‘08
$50 – 1995, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07 & ‘08
$100 – 1996, ‘98, ‘99 & ‘08

(*) - Two notes issued in 1996 with difference Governor’s signature (Bernie Fraser and then Ian Macfarlane)
(**) - Federation commemorative note, one off print only.

- Full set released $5 to $100 in 1996, 1998 and 2008 [excluding collector annual sets].
- No note was issued in 2000.
- Only one note released in 2004 ($50) [excluding 2001 Federation note]

Australia 2008 prints

2009-10-31T16:31:00.012+11:00

2008 Last Prefix Set $5 to $100

It is exiting time again for Australian polymer collectors to see that for the first time since 1999 we have a complete set of polymer notes released from the 2008 prints. The 2008 release is also the first time that we have both the signatures of Governor Glenn Stevens and the Secretary to the Treasure Dr Ken Henry appeared on all 5 denominations.

The last time a $100 note was issued was back in 1999. Like all notes printed since 2002, the new $100 is also modified to include the names of both Sir John Monash and Dame Nellie Melba imprinted on the note. Needless to say this note will get a new reference catalogue number.

In Australia, the first and last prefix notes are well sought after by most collectors. Whilst it is believed that most letter prefixes are printed approx. between 500,000 to one million pieces each, it has come to our attention that less than 50,000 pieces of the $50 last prefix were printed for the 2008 run. With such a low quantity printed for the $50 note last prefix, hopefully we will see the value of this note appreciated faster than any other first and last prefix notes printed for the 2008 series.

Five Dollars Federation Note

2009-10-18T14:23:00.000+11:00

Denomination: $5 Federation Note
Date of first release: 1 January 2001
Designer: Garry Emery
Size: 65 mm x 130 mm

Stories Behind The Faces

Obverse

Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896) has often been referred to as the “Father of Federation”. An early advocate of reform, he gave the federation movement new impetus with his call for a federated Australia at Tenterfield in 1889. Parkes presided over the first national Australasian Convention in Sydney in 1891, where a Constitution Bill was drafted for submission to the Parliaments. A powerful but ageing figures, Parkes died four years before Federation came about.

Reverse
Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) was a journalist, social reformer and novelist, and a prominent supporter of electoral reform. She stood for election as a South Australian candidate for the Australasian Federal Convention of 1897, to emphasise the issue of proportional parliamentary representation. Spence did not gain a place at the Convention but achieved fame as the first woman to stand for election to public office in Australia. She believed that the highest goal to which a united Australia could aspire was the truly democratic representation of all it’s people.

Five Dollars

2009-10-18T14:22:00.000+11:00

Denomination: $5
Date of first release: 7 July 1992
Designer: Bruce Steward, Chief Designer of NPA
Size: 65 mm x 130 mm

Design Behind The Note

Obverse

The portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second. The design of the portrait came from a photograph taken by John Lawrence. Other features of the notes are; -
* Foreground Printing Main Design Features – A slightly raised print that can be felt with the fingers is used for the Queen’s portrait, gum leaves, denomination (numeral and words), legal tender clause, and ‘AUSTRALIA”;
* Background Printing – Multi-coloured, fine-line patterns appear on each side of the note, in flat printing;
* Micro Printing – The words “FIVE DOLLARS” are carefully printed in very small letters and, under magnification, are clearly and sharply defined;
* Coat of Arms – The Australian Coat of Arm can be seen beneath the printing when the note is held up to the light;
* When the note is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed, by four points on one side of the note, combining perfectly with three points on the other.

Reverse

The main design of the note is the new Australia Parliament on Capital Hill in Canberra. The new Parliament was opened by Queen Elizabeth ll on 9 May 1988. The design also includes the landscape plan of the Parliament building as well as the old Parliament at the bottom of the note. The old parliament was opened in 1927.
Other features are; -
* A gum flower can be seen from either side of the note. It is surrounded by a transparent area;
* A slight raised print that can be felt with the fingers is used for Parliament House, landscape plan, geometric shapes, denomination numeral and “AUSTRALIA”.

The recoloured $5 note (brighter in colour) was released on 24 April 1995.

Ten Dollars

2009-10-18T14:21:00.000+11:00

Denomination: $10
Date of first release: 1 November 1993
Designer: Max Robinson
Size: 65 mm x 137 mm

Stories Behind The Faces

Obverse
Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson was born on 17 February 1864 in Narranbla, New South Wales. Paterson was a famous bush poet, balladist and journalist. During his life time, he wrote many ballads and poems about Australian life, focusing mainly on the rural areas. Paterson was perhaps best remembered for his works on ‘Waltzing Matilda and “The Man from Snowy River. Paterson died on 5 February 1941 in Sydney aged 76.

Reverse
Dame Mary Jean Gilmore DBE was born on 16 August 1865 at Cotta Walla near Goulburn, New South Wales. Gilmore was a poet, patriot and tireless campaigner against injustice and deprivation in many fields, including the treatment of Aborigines, women, children, old and sick people, and returned servicemen. In 1937, she was awarded the Odere of the British Empire. Gilmore died in 1962 aged 97. In 1973 she was honoured on a postage stamp bearing her portrait issued by the Australian Post.

Other features
* A windmill can be seen from either side. It is surrounded by a transparent area;
* On one side of the note, excerpts from the poem “The Man from Snowy River” are micro-printed in the area surrounding ‘Banjo” Paterson’s portrait. Between each stanza are the words “Ten Dollars”;
* Slightly-raised printing, which can be felt with your fingers, is used for selected parts of the design such as the portraits of Dame Mary Gilmore and “Banjo” Paterson, the word “Australia” and the numeral “10”;
* On the other side, excerpts from the poem “No foe shall gather our harvest” are micro printed around the portrait of Dame Mary Gilmore, with the words “Ten Dollars” repeated between each stanza;
* When the note is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed, by four points on one side of the note, combining perfectly with three points on the other.

Twenty Dollars

2009-10-18T14:20:00.000+11:00

Denomination: $20
Date of first release: 31 October 1994
Designer: Gary Emery
Size: 65 mm x 144 mm

Stories Behind The Faces

Obverse
Mary Reibey who came to the colony of New South Wales in October 1792 as a convict barely 15 years-old. At the age of 17 she married Thomas Reibey who became a successful businessman in cargo and shipping. When Thomas Reibey died in 1811 Mary assumed sole responsibility for his numerous enterprises as well as caring for their seven children. By then a wealthy woman, she continued to expand her business interests, acquiring extensive property holdings (including a building in George Street Sydney, featured on the note) and extending her shipping operations, (the ‘Mercury”, one of her ship, is also depicted on the note). Mary also gained wide respect for her numerous charity works and interest in the church and education. She died in 1855.

Reverse

Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, who was instrumental in setting up the Australian Inland Mission. Keenly aware of the isolation of people living in inland Australia, Flynn believed that a “mantle of safety” could be created by the establishment of an aerial metical services and by the introduction of radio communication. Depicted on the note is a stylized pedal ireless and a medical body chart used by people of the outback to describe by radio the location of an illness or injury. Despite many set backs, Flynn’s dream became a reality. In 1928, the DeHavilland 50 aircraft “Victory” as shown on the note) answered the first call received by the Aerial Medical Service, which was later to become known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Flynn’s vision finally led to the establishment of thirteen flying doctors based around Australia which today spread a “mantle of safety” across 6.9 millions square kilometers or 80% of the Australian continent. Flynn died in 1951.

Other features
* Clear window surrounding a printed image of a compass;
* Raised print, which can be felt, is used for the portrait;
* Microprinting incorporated in the design on either side of the note;
* Intricate multi coloured, fine line patterns;
* When the note is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed; and the Australian Coat of Arms is visible underneath other printing, similar to a watermark on paper notes.

Fifty Dollars

2009-10-18T14:19:00.001+11:00

Donomination: $50
Date of first release: 4 November 1995
Designer: Brian Sadgrove
Size: 65 mm x 151 mm

Stories Behind The Faces

Obverse
David Unaipon was an inventor and Australia first published Aboriginal writer. A Ngarrindjeri man, Unaipon was born at the Point McLeay Mission in South Australian 1872, the fourth of nine children. An avid reader, he displayed a tremendous thirst for knowledge from an early age. He researched many engineering problems leading to a number of his own inventions – the best known being an improved handpiece for shearing, which he patented in 1909. He believed that the aerodynamics of the boomerang could be applied to aircraft and predicted the development of the helicopter. In 1920’s, Unaipon became the first Aboriginal writer to be published, and many of his early articles and other writings were included in “Myths and Legends of the Australian Aboriginals” in 1930. Other articles, poetry and legends by Unaipon were published through the following decades. Unaipon was a prominent spokesperson for Aboriginal people. He influenced government policy, spoke out against racism and for equal rights and “sympathetic co-operation” between whites and blacks. Unaipon was awarded a Coronation Medal in 1953 for his achievements. He died in 1969.

Reverse

Edith Cowan is best remembered as a social worker and the first female member of an Australian Parliament. She was born in 1861, at Glengarry near Geraldton in Western Australia. After a tragic childhood, Edith Dircksey Brown married James Cowan in 1879. Her husband’s work as a police magistrate gave her insights to the problem of women and children at that time. Throughout her life, she was involved in many voluntary organisations and worked towards important reforms for women, children and migrants. She was a firm believer in the power of education. In 1909 she helped found the Women’s Service Guild, which advocated equal rights of citizenship for men and women. Cowan was also a founding member of the Children’s Protection Society, which was instrumental in establishing day nurseries and the Children’s Court. She was one of the first women appointed to the bench of this Court in 1915. In 1921, Cowan was elected to the Legislative Assembly in Western Australia, becoming Australia first female parliamentarian. In 1923, she introduced the Women’s Legal Status Act, enabling women to enter civil office and practice law. For her various activities, including her role with the Red cross during World War l, she was awarded the OBE in 1920. Cowan died in 1932. In recent time, a federal electorate and university have been named after her.

Other features
* The clear window, which is slighter larger than the $5, $10 and $20, has a stylized image of the Southern Cross printed in it, along with embossing of the number “50”;
* When the back of the note is looked at under ultraviolet light, the two serial numbers – one printed in blue, the other in black – fluoresce, and the number “50” in a patch becomes visible;
* The orientation bands on the top and bottom of the note are intended to assist in note sorting.
* When the note is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed, by four points on one side of the note, combining perfectly with three points on the other.

One Hundred Dollars

2009-10-18T14:18:00.000+11:00

Donomination: $100
Date of first release: 15 May 1996
Designer: Bruce Stewart
Size: 65 mm x 158 mm

Stories Behind The Faces

Obverse
Dame Nellie Melba was born Helen Porter Mitchellon 19 May 1861 in Richmond, Melbourne. Her father was a good hass vocalist and her mother her first music teacher, but it was her first singing teacher, Pietro Cecchi, who is credited with urging her to make singing her life’s work. After traveling to Europe in 1886, she adopted the stage name “Melba”, a contraction of the name of her native city. She made a triumphant operatic debut as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto in Brussels, on 13 October 1887. She went on to perform leading operatic roles in London, Paris, New York and other major cities. Although she toured the world, Dame Nellie always regarded Australia as her home. She found time for many civic activities, including support of the Red Cross, raising funds for war charities, teaching at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (now the Melba memorial Conservatorium of Music), and touring remote country areas. She was appointed a DBE in 1918 and a GBE in 1927. Dame Nellie Melba died in Sydney in 1931.

Reverse

Sir John Monash, soldier, engineer and administrator, was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership qualities in both military and civilian life. In World war l, he served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. His greatest victory was at Hamel, in France, involving the collaboration of infantry, artillery, tanks and aircrafts; it was described as “the prefect battle”. This inspired a succession of victories, leading to the breaking of the Hindenburg line. Monash was knighted in 1918. After the war he led the State Electricity Commission of Victoria for 10 years until his death in 1931. An estimated 150,000 mourners attended his funeral. Monash University in Melbourne was name after him in 1958.

Other features
* The clear window which has a stylized image of a lyrebird printed in it, along with embossing of the number “100”;
* Raised printing that can be felt on the portraits and other major design elements, blocks of the words “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” in micro-printing on each side of the note, and intricate multi-coloured fine line patterns and images;
* The orientation bands on the top and bottom of the note are intended to assist in note sorting;
* When the reverse side of the note is viewed under ultraviolet light, the two serial numbers – one printed in brown, the other in green – fluoresce, and the number “100” in a patch becomes visible;
* When the note is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed, by four points on one side of the note, combining perfectly with three points on the other.

2008 Prints

2009-10-14T18:01:00.002+11:00

Governor - Glenn Stevens

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry

Five Dollars, ND2008 P57b

First Prefix "BA08", Last Prefix "HB08" Ten Dollars, ND2008 P58b

First Prefix "AA08", Last Prefix "DF08"

Twenty Dollars, ND2008 P59b
First Prefix "AA08", Last Prefix "JC08"
Fifty Dollars, ND2008 P60b
First Prefix "AA08", Last prefix "MD08" Only 49,998 pieces printed
One Hundred Dollars, P61
First Prefix "AA08", Last prefix "EL08"

Signatures Glenn Stevens and Ken Henry

2009-10-14T18:01:00.000+11:00

Governor - Glenn Stevens

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry

Five Dollars, P57 Ten Dollars, P58

Twenty Dollars, P59
Fifty Dollars, P60 One Hundred Dollars, P61

2007 Prints

2007-09-26T19:41:00.000+10:00

Governor - Glenn Stevens

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Five Dollars, ND2007 P57b

First Prefix "BA07" Ten Dollars, ND2007 P58b
First Prefix "AA07"

Twenty Dollars, ND2007 P59b
First Prefix "AA07"
Fifty Dollars, ND2007 P60b
First Prefix "AA07"

2006 Prints

2006-09-26T19:48:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Five Dollars, ND2006 P57b

First Prefix "BA06"

Ten Dollars, ND2006 P58b
First Prefix "AA06"

Twenty Dollars, ND2006 P59b
First Prefix "AA06"
Fifty Dollars, ND2006 P60b
First Prefix "AA06"

2005 Prints

2005-09-26T19:56:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Five Dollars, ND2005 P57b

First Prefix "BA05" (Radar) Twenty Dollars, ND2005 P59b

First Prefix "AA05"
Fifty Dollars, ND2005 P60b
First Prefix "AA05"

2004 Prints

2004-09-26T20:02:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Fifty Dollars, ND2004 P60b

Firts Prefix "AA04"

2003 Prints

2003-09-27T09:24:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Five Dollars, ND2003 P57b

First Prefix "BA03" Ten Dollars, ND2003 P58b

First Prefix "AA03"

Twenty Dollars, ND2003 P59b
First Prefix "AA03"
Fifty Dollars, ND2003 P60b
First Prefix "AA03"

2002 Prints

2002-09-27T09:34:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Dr Ken Henry (PhD)

Five Dollars, ND2002 P57b

First Prefix "BA02" #17000!! Ten Dollars, ND2003 P58b

First Prefix "AA02"

Twenty Dollars, ND2002 P59b
First Prefix "AA02"

2001 Prints Federation Note

2001-09-27T09:39:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND2001 P56

First Prefix "AA01"

2001 Federation Commemorative Folder

2001-01-01T20:38:00.000+11:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, Dated 1901-2001 P56

First Prefix "AA01"

100,000 Folders Issued, Issue Price $12.50

Reverse

Folder

Five Dollars 2001 Federation Commemorative

2001-01-01T09:23:00.000+11:00

Front and Back Cover

Inside Cover

1999 Prints

1999-09-27T10:06:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Fifty Dollars, ND1999 P54b

First Prefix "AA99"

One Hundred Dollars, ND1999 P55b

First Prefix "AA99"

1999 Maritime Heratage Commemorative

1999-01-02T13:41:00.000+11:00

1999 Maritime Heritage Joint Issue with Australia Post

Note Issued with Pane of Stamps (10 x 45 Cents)

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Overprint with 'Maritage Heritage #0650"

1,000 Folders Issued for Red S/N

Red S/N Prefix "MH99"

1999 Annual Folder Notes Black S/N Deluxe Set

1999-01-02T12:55:00.001+11:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane
Secretary - Ted Evans
All matching S/N 001 001 (First Set of the Black S/N Set)
Only 1,200 Sets issued, All "AA" Prefix

Five Dollars

Ten Dollars
Twenty Dollars
Fifty Dollars
One Hundred Dollars

Is this the first Deluxe set?

1998 Note and Coin Collection Set

1998-09-30T12:08:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1998

All Prefix "ZZ98"

Ten Dollars, ND1998
Twenty Dollars, ND1998
Fifty Dollars, ND1998
One Hundred Dollars, ND1998

Certificate of Authenticity

1998 Prints

1998-09-27T10:17:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1998 P51b

First Prefix "BA98"

Ten Dollars, ND1998 P52b

First Prefix "AA98"
Twenty Dollars, ND1998 P53b
First Prefix "AA98"
Fifty Dollars, ND1998 P54b
First Prefix "AA98"

One Hundred Dollars, ND1998 P55b
First Prefix "AA98"

1998 Annual Folder Notes Black S/N Deluxe Set

1998-01-02T13:07:00.001+11:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane
Secretary - Ted Evans
All matching S/N AA98 001 001 (First Set of the Black S/N Set)
Only 2,000 Sets issued, All “AA” Prefix

Five Dollars

Ten Dollars
Twenty Dollars
Fifty Dollars
One Hundred Dollars

Is this the first Deluxe Set?

1997 Note and Coin Collection

1997-10-02T12:26:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1997

Prefix "ZZ97"

Ten Dollars, ND1997
Twenty Dollars, ND1997
Fifty Dollars, ND1997
One Hundred Dollars, ND1997

Certificate of Authenticity

1997 Prints

1997-09-27T10:27:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1997 P51b

First Prefix "BA97"

Ten Dollars, ND1997 P52b

First Prefix "AA97"
Twenty Dollars, ND1997 P53b
First Prefix "AA97"
Fifty Dollars, ND1997 P53b
First Prefix "AA97"

1997 Hong Kong Commemorative

1997-07-01T12:13:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1997

8000 Issued, Priced A$18

1997 Emergency Services Comemmorative

1997-01-02T13:33:00.000+11:00

Emergency Services Joint Issue with Australia Post

Note Issued with Pane of 25 Stamps Gutter Strip (10x $1.20 Stamp)

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Prefix "ES" Overprint with "Emergency Services"
Note: Note S/N 000 001 was auctioned at charity and raised $1,400.

1997 Annual Folder Notes Black S/N

1997-01-02T13:13:00.000+11:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane
Secretary - Ted Evans
All matching S/N 001 801

Only 4,000 Sets Issued, All “AA” Prefix

Five Dollars

Ten Dollars
Twenty Dollars
Fifty Dollars

One Hundred Dollars

Special NPA Portfolio Notes Collection

1996-10-02T12:18:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1996

1,000 set issued, Prefix "0096"

Ten Dollars, ND1996
Twenty Dollars, Nd1996
Fifty Dollars, ND1996
One Hundred Dollars, ND1996

Certificate of Authenticity

1996 Prints

1996-09-27T10:36:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1996 P51b

First Prefix "BA96"

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1996 P51a
First prefix "BA96"

Ten Dollars, ND1996 P52a
First Prefix "AA96"
Twenty Dollars, ND1996 P53a
First Prefix "AA96"
Fifty Dollars, ND1996 P54a
Regular Prefix

One Hundred Dollars, ND1996 P55a
First Prefix "AA96"

signatures Ian Macfarlane and Ted Evans

1996-09-26T18:21:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, P56 Federation CommemorativeFive Dollars, P51

Ten Dollars, P52 Twenty Dollars, P53

Fifty Dollars, P54

One Hundred Dollars, P55

signatures Ian Macfarlane and Ken Henry

1996-09-26T17:06:00.000+10:00

Governor - Ian Marfarlane

Secretary - Ken Henry

Five Dollars, P57a Ten Dollars, P58a

Twenty Dollars, P59a
Fifty Dollars, P60a

1996 Change of Governor Commemorative

1996-09-18T11:15:00.000+10:00

Change of Governors Commemorative Sets

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Governor - Ian Macfarlane
Secretary - Ted Evans
Black S/N Set - 1,500 Sets Issued
Prefix "FE" - Fraser/Evans
Prefix "ME" - Macfarlane/Evans

Red S/N Set - 1,000 Sets Issued
Prefix "FE" - Fraser/Evans

Prefix "ME" - Macfarlane/Evans

Issue Price

Red S/N - A$79

Black S/N - A$39

One Hundred Dollars 1996

1996-05-01T09:35:00.000+10:00

Front

Back

Test Notes $5 (1997) and $100 (1996)

1996-01-02T13:52:00.001+11:00

Test Notes

Governor - Ian Macfarlane

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1997

Letter Prefixes AN-AZ, BN-BZ, CN-CZ & DN

Prefix "AZ97"
Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

One Hundred Dollars, ND1996
Letter Prefixes Issued AN-AZ, BN-BZ, CN-CS

Reverse - This Last prefix note is in VF condition
Whilst these notes were printed and issued in 1996 and 1997, collectors were not aware of these varieties until few years later.

1996, 30 Years of Decimal Currency

1996-01-02T13:21:00.000+11:00

Thirty Years of Decimal Currency, Joint Issued with Australian Post

Note Issued with Special Gutter Strip of Stamps of 45 Cents each (x10)

Prefix "QE"

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Red S/N, 1000 sets Issued
Black S/N, 2000 sets Issued

Note: S/N 000 001 was auctioned and raised $1,000 for charity

1996 $100 First Day of Issue

1996-01-02T13:20:00.001+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary - Ted Evans
First Day of Issue Note, Dated 15 May 1996
Single Note Folder, 3,000 Sets Issued

One Hundred Dollars

Reverse
Other Info: -

Single Note Folder (3,000) @ A$129 each

(Prefix AB96 003 001 - AB96 006 000)

Two Notes Folder (Paper/Polymer) @ A$259 each

(Prefix AA96 001 001 - AA96 003 000. Paper note prefix "ZLD")

Fifty Dollars 1995

1995-10-04T09:33:00.000+10:00

Front

Back

1995 Prints

1995-09-27T11:40:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1995 P51a

First Prefix "AA95"

Twenty Dollars, ND1995 P53a

First Prefix "AA95"
Fifty Dollars, ND1995 P54a
Regular Prefix

Famous Five Commemorative

1995-04-25T11:09:00.000+10:00

30th Anniversary of $5 notes, issued with one paper note and two polymer notes

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Black S/N Set, 1500 Set Issued

Overprinted "First Issue 7 July 1992"
Recoloured Issue
Overprinted " First Issue 24 April 1995"

Note: Note S/N 000 001 was auctioned for charity and raised $780.

Issue Price
Red S/N - A$85
Black S/N - A$45

Five Dollars 1995 Recoloured Information Sheet

1995-04-24T09:20:00.001+10:00

Front and Back Cover

Inside Cover

1995 Centenary of Waltzing Matilda 1895-1995

1995-01-02T13:49:00.000+11:00

Joint Issue with Telecom (now Telstra)

Commemorating Centenary of Waltzing Matilda 1895-1995

Prefix "WM" Blue S/N with Phone card

Ten Dollars

Prefix "WM"
Phone Card

1995 $50 First Day of Issue

1995-01-02T13:31:00.001+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary - Ted Evans
First Day of Issue Note, Dated 4 November 1995
Single Note Folder, 7,000 Sets Issued

Fifty Dollars

Reverse
Other Info: -

Single note folder (7,000) @ A$66 each

(Prefix AA95 004 501 - AA95 011 500)

Two notes folder (Polymer/Paper) (3,500) @ A$129 each

(Prefix AA95 001 001 - AA95 004 500)

1995 Annual Folder Notes Black S/N

1995-01-02T12:58:00.000+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary – Ted Evans
All matching S/N
Only 9,000 Set Issued, All “AA” Prefix

Five Dollars

Ten Dollars
Twenty Dollars

Twenty Dollars 1994

1994-10-31T09:30:00.000+11:00

Front

Back

1994 Prints

1994-09-27T13:15:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Ten Dollars, ND1994 P52a

Regular Prefix

Twenty Dollars, ND1994 P53a

Regular Prefix

1993 $10 First Day of Issue

1994-01-02T13:23:00.002+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary - Ted Evans
First Day of Issue Note, Dated 1 November 1993
Two Notes Folder (Paper & Polymer), 9,000 Sets Issued, Issue Price A$49
Ten Dollars - Black S/N, Black OverprintBlack Prefix "AA93"Single Folder Note, 40,000 Folders Issued, Issue Price A$36
Purple S/N, Dated 1 November 1993, Purple Overprint
Ten DollarsPurple Prefix "BI93"

1994 $20 First Day of Issue

1994-01-02T13:16:00.001+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary - Ted Evans
First Day of Issue Note, Dated 31 November 1994
Single Note Folder, 30,000 Sets Issued, Issue Price $36
Twenty Dollars

Reverse
Other info: -

Two Notes folder (5,000) with prefix commencing AA94 001001 to AA94 006000 and with Paper note printed with prefix "ADK" sold at A$69 each.

Single note folder prefix commencing AB94 000 001

1994 Annual Folder Notes Black S/N

1994-01-02T13:06:00.000+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary – Ted Evans
All matching S/N
Only 9,000 Set Issued, All “AA” Prefix

Five Dollars

Ten Dollars

Ten Dollars 1993

1993-11-01T09:29:00.000+11:00

Front

Back

signatures Bernie Fraser and Ted Evans

1993-09-27T14:24:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, P50

Five Dollars, Recoloured P51
Five Dollare, with Narrow Band P51
Ten Dollars, P52
Twenty Dollars, P53

Fifty Dollars, P54

One Hundred Dollars, P55

1993 Prints

1993-09-27T13:20:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Five Dollars, ND1993 P50b

First Prefix "BA93"

Ten Dollars, ND1993 P52a

First Prefix "AA93"

1993 Eminent Women Centenary Portfolio

1993-01-02T13:29:00.000+11:00

Joint Issue with Australian Post

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Ted Evans

Issued with a pane of 25 stamps of 45 cents each

Ten Dollars

Black S/N set, 4,500 sets Issued
Red S/N Set, 500 Sets Issued

signatures Bernie Fraser and Tony Cole

1992-09-27T14:59:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Tony Cole

Five Dollars, P50

1992 Prints

1992-09-27T13:30:00.000+10:00

Governor - Bernie Fraser

Secretary - Tony Cole

Five Dollars, ND1993 P50

Black Serila No

Dark Green Serial No
Light Green Serial No

Five Dollars 1992 Information Sheet

1992-07-07T09:14:00.000+10:00

Inside Cover

Front and back

1992 $5 First Day of Issue

1992-01-02T13:33:00.001+11:00

Governor – Bernie Fraser
Secretary - Tony Cole
First Day of Issue Note, Dated 7 July 1992
Standard Souvenir Folder, 30,000 Sets Issued, Issue Price $19
Five Dollars

Reverse
Other info: -

Deluxe Folder - 17,000 folders @ A$20 each

Staff Issue (Gift) - 350 Folders

1998 10th Anniversary of Australia Polymer Notes

1989-01-27T13:40:00.000+11:00

Commemorative - 10 Years of Polymer Banknotes in Australia

Only 2500 (Red & Black S/N) Folders issued

AB Prefix and Dated 26 January 1998
Ten Dollars, Dated 26 January 1988
AA Prefix
Red S/N (Qty 1000) A$85

Black S/N (Qty 1500) A$49

1988 Second Prints

1988-10-24T15:15:00.001+10:00

Governor - Robert Johnstone

Secretary - Bernie Fraser

Ten Dollars, ND1988 P49

Regular Prefix, 17.50 million pieces printed, Released 24.10.1988

signatures Robert Johnstone and Bernie Fraser

1988-09-27T15:04:00.000+10:00

Governor - Robert Johnstone

Secretary - Bernie Fraser

Ten Dollars, P49

1988 Bicentenary Commemorative Folder

1988-07-08T14:35:00.003+10:00

Governor - Robert Johnstone

Secretary - Bernie Fraser

Ten Dollars, ND1988

First Prefix "AA00"

Released 8.7.1988, Quantity Issued 600,000 Last Prefix "AA23"

Obverse - Date Ovpt 26.01.1988

Cover - 600,000 Folders Issued, Issue Price A$14
Info

1988 First Prints Error Note

1988-01-27T15:38:00.004+11:00

Governor - Robert Johnstone

Secretary - Bernie Fraser

Ten Dollars, ND1988 P49

Error OVD, S/N ABxx 93xxxx

S/N ABxx 94xxxx
S/N ABxx 96xxxx

These are the only notes (with serial numbers starting with "93", "94" and "96" were ever released before the fault was discovered. Few days following the released of this new note, a local TV station reported that the Captain Cook's Optically Variable Device can be removed simply by rubbing it with a pencil eraser. The notes were subsequently withdrew from circulation, until a new patch of notes were reprinted and released on 24.10.1988.

Ten Dollars 1988 Comemmorative

1988-01-26T09:25:00.000+11:00

Front

Back