Australian Currency In Use

The Australian Dollar ($A) is the basic unit of currency in Australia and is equal to 100 cents. There are total of six coins and five notes in circulation. Notes are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. While coinage is in denominations of $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. As well as the normal circulation notes and coins, periodic commemorative notes and coins are also minted from time to time.

Throughout Australia, the decimal currency was first introduced on the 14th of February 1966. Prior to this time, the British system of currency of pounds, shillings and pence was in common use.

In 1990, Australia became the first country in the world issuing currency made from plastic polymers with transparent windows built in for fraud protection. It is smaller than the previous paper based notes and a lot more durable.

 

$5 Australian Note    
 

 

 Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1910)

Journalist, social and political reformer, novelist and feminist.

 

 

 Sir Henry Parkes (1815–1896)

A lifelong politician whose name is synonymous with Federation in Australia.

 

 

$10 Australian Note    
 

 

 Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962)

Author, journalist, poet, patriot and tireless campaigner against injustice and deprivation.

 

 

 AB 'Banjo' Paterson (1864–1941)

Poet, ballad writer, journalist and horseman.

 

 

 

$20 Australian Note Photo

        
 Reverend John Flynn (1880–1951)

Pioneered the world's first aerial medical service, known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

 

 

 Mary Reibey (1777–1855)

Pioneer business woman with interests in shipping and property.

 

 

 

$50 Australian Note Photo         

 

 Edith Cowan (1861–1932)

Social worker, politician and feminist.

 

 

 David Unaipon (1872–1967)

Writer, public speaker and inventor.

 

 

 

$100 Australian Note Photo         

 

 Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931)

World renowned soprano.

 

 

 Sir John Monash (1865–1931)

Soldier, engineer and administrator.