Australia's favourite coins return to mark the 40th anniversary of decimal currency
24th November 2005
The Royal Australian Mint celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Australia's historic move to decimalisation with the announcement of the theme for Australia's circulating currency for 2006. The original designs used in 1966 are included in the 2006 Year Sets which are available now from the Royal Australian Mint.
Australia's one and two cent pieces, plus the sought after round-shaped, 1966 designed 50 cent piece will return for collectors as the Royal Australian Mint celebrates forty years of decimal currency with the release of the 2006 Mint Year sets.
Sentimental Australians will be able to admire the original designs first unveiled in 1966 but to many new Australians this may be the first time they have seen the full set of original decimal currency.
The one and two cent pieces that feature in the Royal Australian Mint's Year Sets have not been seen in circulation since 1991. February 14, 1966 saw Australia covert to the decimal currency - "this is a very important release as it represents a key move in Australia's history. The now world popular and uniquely Australian coin designs by Stuart Devlin feature a theme relevant to Australia as a nation" The Hon Chris Pearce MP said.
Australia's coin designs symbolise the distinctiveness and incomparability of Australia as a nation by highlighting animals and heritage unique to and recognisable as Australian. Characters featured on the original decimal coins are:
| Feather-tail glider | 1 cent | Lyrebird | 10 cent |
| Frilled neck lizard | 2 cent | Platypus | 20 cent |
| Echidna or spiny anteater | 5 cent | Kangaroo and Emu | 50 cent |
The Royal Australian Mint's Year Sets are now available for purchase directly from the Mint by calling 1300 652 020 or visiting www.ramint.gov.au.
Media Opportunity: Photo/visual footage of Royal Australian Mint premises, The Hon Chris Pearce MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Dr Vivienne Thom, CEO Royal Australian Mint.
Where: Royal Australian Mint, Denison Street Deakin, ACT.
Time: 10.30am, Monday 28 November 2005