Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2019L01375 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by authority of the Assistant Treasurer

Currency Act 1965

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019

Subsection 13(2) and section 13A of the Currency Act 1965 (the Act) provide that the Treasurer may, by legislative instrument, determine details of Australian coin characteristics including denomination, standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions.

The purpose of this legislative instrument is to determine the characteristics of 2 new circulating coins and 25 new non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint.

The Treasurer may authorise the making and issuing of coins specified, or taken to be specified, in the Schedule to the Currency Act 1965.  A payment of money is a legal tender if it is made in coins that are made and issued under the Currency Act 1965.  Through the issue of a currency determination, the Treasurer can add, remove and alter the coin characteristics specified, or taken to be specified, in the Schedule to the Currency Act 1965.

In accordance with section 19 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, any Minister in the Treasury portfolio may, by legislative instrument, determine details of Australian coin characteristics.

Details of the legislative instrument are set out in the Attachment.

The legislative instrument commenced on the day after it was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

The legislative instrument is subject to disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003.

Consultation

No public consultation was undertaken in relation to this legislative instrument. The effect of this instrument is to determine details of new Australian coin characteristics which will enable the Royal Australian Mint to continue its production of circulating and numismatic coins.

Members of the public have the opportunity to contact the Royal Australian Mint to present any themes they would like to see commemorated on Australian legal tender. These concepts are then researched and assessed in accordance with the Royal Australian Mints Coin Design Policy.  The Royal Australian Mint also uses market based tools to identify interested parties and gauge interest in coin themes.

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The purpose of this legislative instrument is to determine the characteristics of 2 new circulating coins and 25 new non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint.

Human rights implications

This Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Conclusion

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.


ATTACHMENT

Details of the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019

This Attachment sets out further details of the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019 (the Determination).

Section 1 – Name

This section specifies the name of the Determination is the Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019.

Section 2 – Commencement

This section prescribes that the Determination commences the day after the Determination is registered.

Section 3 – Authority

This section provides that the Determination is made under the Currency Act 1965.

Section 4 – Schedules

This section provides that each instrument specified in a Schedule to the Determination is amended or repealed as set out in the Schedule.

Schedule 1 – Amendments

Schedule 1 amends the Currency (Australian Coins) Determination 2019 by adding the details of new coin characteristics.  The newly determined coin characteristics are set out below.

New circulating coins

2020 $1 Circulating Coin – Qantas Centenary

A representation of the number “100” in a large font with combinations of horizontal, vertical and zigzag lines. Partially obscuring the “100” is an aerial view of a jet airplane with a single jet engine on each wing. From the tip of each wing of the airplane, two parallel lines run to the right-hand edge of the coin. Also partially obscuring the “100” is a representation of the kangaroo silhouette trademark owned by Qantas Airways Limited. Partially obscuring one of the parallel lines is a simplified map of Australia. The design includes the following inscriptions: “QANTAS CENTENARY” and “ONE DOLLAR”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $2 Circulating Coin 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

A design consisting of a central 7-pointed star surrounded by a circular border consisting of 3 evenly divided sections, one each of green, blue and white printing over 5 concentric rings. In the foreground, and partially obscured by the central star and coloured border, is a stylised representation of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak. In the background, and partially obscured by the dove is a simplified map of the South East Pacific and Asian region. The design includes the following inscriptions: “TWO DOLLARS”; “75 YEARS – END OF SECOND WORLD WAR”; and the initials of the designer Tony Dean “TD”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

New non-circulating coins (collector or bullion coins)

2020 50¢ Uncirculated Coin – 50th anniversary of the Indian Pacific

A representation of the Indian Pacific NR-27 locomotive and a line of carriages positioned on a railway track in a desert landscape (including a mountain range and shrubbery). In the background are blue and yellow colour printed stripes. The design includes the following inscriptions: “INDIAN PACIFIC”; “1970 – 2020”; “50”; and the initials of the designer Stevan Michael Stojanovic “SMS”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Olympic Team: Dedication

A central circle containing the logo of the Australian Olympic Committee Incorporated surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of light and dark green blossom flowers positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM” and “DEDICATION”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Olympic Team: Resilience

A central circle containing a stylised representation of a kangaroo riding on a surfboard surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of light and dark blue blossom flowers positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM” and “RESILIENCE”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Olympic Team: Courage

A central circle containing a stylised representation of Mount Fuji in the foreground partially obscuring a representation of the sun in the background, surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of red and maroon blossom flowers positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM” and “COURAGE”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Olympic Team: Striving

A central circle containing a representation of a flaming Olympic cauldron surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of yellow and brown blossom flowers positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM” and “STRIVING”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Olympic Team: Passion

A central circle containing a stylised representation of a kangaroo playing hockey surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of black and grey blossom flowers positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM” and “PASSION”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Australian Paralympic Team: Set To Soar

A central circle containing a representation of the Australian Paralympic mascot from the 2000 Summer Paralympics, Lizzie the frilled-necked lizard, surrounded by a stylised border consisting of a pattern of yellow and green curved lines positioned over 4 concentric circles. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2020 AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC TEAM” and “SET TO SOAR”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $2 Uncirculated Coin – Tooth Fairy

A stylised border consisting of representations of vegetation and a wooden door. In the centre of the coin and partially obscuring the stylised border is a representation of a fairy carrying a tooth surrounded by a stylised representation of fairy dust. The design includes the following inscriptions: “2 DOLLARS” and the initials of the designer Bronwyn King “BK”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $1 1oz Fine Silver Coin – Red Kangaroo

A representation of six red kangaroos and the following inscriptions: “ONE DOLLAR” and the initials of the designer Adam William Ball “AWB”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $2 Collector Coin - 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

A design consisting of a central 7-pointed star surrounded by a circular border consisting of 3 evenly divided sections, one each of green, blue and white printing over 5 concentric rings. In the foreground, and partially obscured by the central star and coloured border, is a stylised representation of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak. In the background, and partially obscured by the dove is a simplified map of the South East Pacific and Asian region. The design includes the following inscriptions: “TWO DOLLARS”; “75 YEARS – END OF SECOND WORLD WAR”; the initials of the designer Tony Dean “TD” and the “C” mintmark denoting Canberra.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $5 Ag 40mm Proof Coin - 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

A representation of a woman wearing a long dress looking upwards with her arms raised. Flying above the woman’s hands are stylised representations of doves and origami cranes. In the background is a pattern of skewed longitude and latitude lines. At the bottom of the reverse is a stylised half-border consisting of curved and geometric patterns of lines. The design includes the following inscriptions: “END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR”; “75TH ANNIVERSARY”; “1945”; “2020”; 1OZ .999Ag”; and the initials of the designer Tony Dean “TD”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

2020 $1 Uncirculated Privy Mark Coin – World Money Fair Special Release

A stylised representation of 5 kangaroos in the form of the standard circulating Australian $1 coin. Enclosed in a square is a stylised representation of a currywurst sausage on a fork. The design includes the inscription “1 DOLLAR”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC”.

2020 $10 Gold Proof Coin - Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush
2020 $1 Silver Proof Coin (with gold plating) – Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush
2020 $1 Coin – Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush
2020 $1 C Mint Mark Coin – Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush
2020 $1 M, S and B Privy Mark Coins – Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush
2020 $1 Australia Map, S, P, B, M and A Counterstamp Coins – Eureka! Australia’s Gold Rush

A stylised representation of 2 gold nuggets in the shape of the Australian mainland and the island of Tasmania. Partially obscured by the gold nuggets is a representation of a prospector’s pan. Flowing around and through the prospector’s pan is a stylised impression of flowing water. Immediately inside the rim of the coin is a serrated border. The design includes the following inscriptions: “AUSTRALIA’S GOLD RUSH”; EUREKA!”; and the initials of the designer Tony Dean “TD”.

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Jody Clark “JC” and the denomination of the coin.

Overview

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019 was enacted to address the need for updating the specifications of Australian coins, specifically by determining the characteristics of new circulating and non-circulating coins to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. This legislative instrument was issued by the Assistant Treasurer under the authority granted by the Currency Act 1965, which allows the Treasurer to determine coin characteristics including denomination, composition, weight, design and dimensions. The primary policy objective of this determination is to enable the Royal Australian Mint to continue producing circulating and numismatic coins that reflect significant Australian events and heritage. The legislative instrument is subject to disallowance under the Legislation Act 2003 and it commenced on the day after its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. It is compatible with human rights as it does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019 applies to the characteristics of new Australian coins, specifically two circulating coins and 25 non-circulating coins, proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. The instrument provides details such as denomination, composition, weight, design, and dimensions for these coins. It falls under the purview of the Commonwealth, as it is made under the Currency Act 1965. The Act applies to the Treasurer, who has the authority to determine coin characteristics by legislative instrument, and the Royal Australian Mint, which is responsible for the production of the coins. The instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. Additionally, the application of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which can further detail the characteristics of Australian coins. The legislation is compatible with human rights as it does not engage any applicable rights or freedoms.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2019 Royal Australian Mint No. 6) Determination 2019 (the Determination) sets out the details of new coin characteristics for 2 circulating and 25 non-circulating coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. It specifies the design, denomination, composition, weight, and other characteristics of these coins (Schedule 1). These coins include circulating $1 and $2 coins commemorating the Qantas Centenary and the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, as well as various non-circulating coins commemorating events such as the 50th anniversary of the Indian Pacific, the 2020 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Determination imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties governed by it. For example, it requires the Royal Australian Mint to produce coins with the specified characteristics, including design, denomination, composition, and weight. It also requires that all coins issued under the Determination bear the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA”, and the year of issue on the obverse side. Furthermore, the coins must be made and issued under the Currency Act 1965 to be considered legal tender in Australia. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Determination may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. While the Determination does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Currency Act 1965, under which the Determination is made, can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment. For example, under section 132 of the Currency Act, a person who makes or possesses dies, plates, or other instruments for making coins with intent to use them for making counterfeit coins can be fined up to 5,000 penalty units (approximately AUD 880,000 as of 2023) or imprisoned for up to 20 years, or both. Similarly, under section 133, a person who makes or possesses counterfeit coins with intent to use them as genuine can be fined up to 10,000 penalty units (approximately AUD 1,760,000 as of 2023) or imprisoned for up to 25 years, or both. These penalties reflect the seriousness with which the Australian legal system treats the unauthorised production and use of coins.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.