11/02/2016
The 14th of February marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the decimal currency - the move from pounds, shilling and pence to dollars and cents.
The Assistant Minister to the Treasurer the Hon Alex Hawke MP has announced that history will be made this year by the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) with a special release of the entire suite of Australia’s circulating coins to feature commemorative designs recognising the 50th anniversary of decimal currency.
With over 5 million of each denomination entering circulation, this announcement makes history in more ways than one with the designs appearing on the ‘heads’ of the coin along with the effigy and it being the first time unique designs have been applied to the 5 and 10 cent coins.
Mr Hawke said Australians will notice a very distinctive change to the obverse design of their beloved coins this year, remembering the pre-decimal coins from the half penny to the florin.
“Since the changeover to decimal currency, our nation has not experienced change to this extent and there seemed no better time than this anniversary year for the Royal Australian Mint to release such an extensive circulating coin program,” said Mr Hawke.
“With a flip of a coin, stories can be shared about ‘The Changeover’ period 50 years ago and Australians of all ages can have something unique they can collect and treasure for another 50 years.”
Royal Australian Mint CEO Mr Ross MacDiarmid said that fittingly the 50 cent coin will be the first to enter circulation from the banks with the rest of the denominations being distributed as the demand arises and the Mint has other ways the public can access these special coins.
“We hope to see the 50 cent coin very soon in our change and for a limited time, the public will be able to contact the Mint and purchase a pack that is made up of twenty 50 cent pieces at face value of $10 plus postage,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“With these orders, we will also send a free Circulating Coin Folder so that the public have something to collect all six coins throughout the year.”
“Throughout the year the Mint will run the same promotion with the other denominations for a limited time to ensure the public have access to these coins to mark an important milestone in Australia’s history.”
To provoke nostalgia and educate the younger generation, these folders will also feature a link via the Layar app to discover the decimal currency jingle.
These free circulating coin folders will be made available for school children through their educational establishments, as well as through visiting the Mint and other periodic promotions.
The designs can also be purchased in an uncirculated or proof year set, available for purchase now: https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/product-category.aspx?KWD=changeover
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For media enquiries contact:
Michelle Nakamura, Royal Australian Mint - 0418164769 or michelle.nakamura@ramint.gov.au (For media only)
Release dates for Mint promotion
From Thursday 11 February 2016, for a limited time, the public can buy a pack of 50c (20 pieces) at face value $10 plus postage - one pack per transaction - via the Mint's website. With each transaction, the public will also receive one FREE circulating coin folder. The remaining denominations:
The remaining denominations:
Monday 4 April 2016
20 cent - 20 coins in a pack - $4.00
10 cent - 40 coins in a pack - $4.00
5 cent - 40 coins in a pack - $2.00
*Above coin packs cannot be purchased separately
Monday 1 August 2016: $1.00 - 10 coins in a pack - $10.00
Monday 5 September 2016: $2.00 - 5 coins in a pack - $10.00
| Coin | Description | Download |
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2016 $2 Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
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2016 $1 Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
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2016 50c Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
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2016 20c Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
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2016 10c Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
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2016 5c Circulating Coin - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Obverse |
Reverse images (tails side of coin) are available upon request
| Coin | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
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2016 Circulating Coin Folder - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Packaging - Open |
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2016 Circulating Coin Folder - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Packaging - Front |
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2016 Circulating Coin Folder - 50th anniversary of decimal currency - Packaging -Back |