2016-01-11 Mon

Did you know that Australia’s first official paper currency celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013?

The 10 shillings banknote was first issued on 1 May 1913 as a blue banknote payable in gold. The 1913 note was the world's first officially issued ten-shilling note. The first note, serial number M000001 was printed by Judith Denman, five-year-old daughter of the Governor-General of Australia, Lord Denman.

In 1910 the Australian Notes Act was passed, and in 1913 the first series of Australian notes which were based on the old British system were issued. Other denominations from £1 to £1,000 followed during the years 1913 – 1915.

The Perth Mint and Australia Post issued a joint special release celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first banknote in Australia.

The coin is an exact replica of the first 10 shillings banknote and is struck in 28 g Silver Proof coin. The two stamps have denominations of 60 cents and $2.60. The 60-cent stamp portrays the official note numbering ceremony in 1913. The $2.60 stamp depicts the Australian Coat of Arms as it appears on the first banknote.