Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2008B00107 In force Legislative Instrument

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Commonwealth of Australia

Currency Act 1965

Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995

I, PAUL ELLIOTT, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, acting for the Treasurer, make the following Determination under the Currency Act 1965.

Dated 2 March 1995.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Citation

1. This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995.

Commencement

2. This Determination commences on 20 March 1995.

Application of the Determination

3. This Determination does not affect any other determination of the specifications or design of a coin.

Specifications and design of a $1 silver coin

4. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $1 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 31.635 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 40.60 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.00 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "1 DOLLAR";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 1 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

5. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

6. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) a representation of the reverse of the 1927 florin commemorating the opening of the Parliament House in Canberra; and

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

7. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra perched on a branch of a tree; and

(b) a representation of the reverse of the 1951 florin commemorating the 50th jubilee of federation; and

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

8. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled,

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) a representation of the reverse of the 1934-35 florin commemorating the centenary of the foundation of the city of Melbourne; and

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

9. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra perched on a branch of a tree; and

(b) a representation of the reverse of the 1954 florin commemorating the Royal visit of that year; and

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $2 silver coin

10. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "2 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra perched on a branch of a tree; and

(b) a representation of the World Vision 40 hour famine logo in a circle, with the inscription "20th YEAR"; and

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $5 gold coin

11. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $5 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 1.571 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.015 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 14.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 1.40 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears;

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "5 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of two kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $5 platinum coin

12. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $5 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% platinum.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 1.571 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.015 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 14.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 1.40 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH IP, "AUSTRALIA"; and "5 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a baby koala sitting on a branch of a tree; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $10 silver coin

13. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $10 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 312.347 grams.

(5) A variation of 1.00 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 75.50 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 8.70 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "10 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 10 OZ. 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $15 gold coin

14. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $15 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 3.133 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.022 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 16.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 1.50 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "15 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of two kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $15 platinum coin

15. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $15 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% platinum.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 3.137 grams.

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $30 silver coin

18. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $30 the standard composition of which includes not less man 99.9% silver.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 1002.502 grams.

(5) A variation of 1.50 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 101.00 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 14.60 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH IT, "AUSTRALIA", and "30 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 1 KILO 999 SILVER"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin

19. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $50 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 15.594 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.040 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 25.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.40 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "50 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of two kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET 1/2 OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $50 platinum coin

20. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $50 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% platinum.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 15.605 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.045 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 25.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.30 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA"; and "50 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a baby koala sitting on a branch of a tree; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA 1/2 OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin,

Specifications and design of a $100 gold coin

21. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $100 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 31.162 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.055 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 32.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.80 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "100 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of two kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET 1 OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $100 platinum coin

22. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $100 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% platinum.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 31.185 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.065 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 32.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.70 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears;

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA"; and "100 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a baby koala sitting on a branch of a tree; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA 1 OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $200 gold coin

23. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $200 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.265 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.05 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 40.60 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.00 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "200 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of two kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET 2 OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Specifications and design of a $200 platinum coin

24. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $200 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% platinum.

(2) The shape of the coin is circular.

(3) The edge of the coin is milled.

(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.313 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.075 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 40.60 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 3.80 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA"; and "200 DOLLARS";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of a baby koala sitting on a branch of a tree; and

(b) the inscriptions:

(i) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA 2 OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(ii) "1995" or "1996";

all encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.

Overview

The Currency Act 1965, enacted by the Australian Parliament, establishes the framework for the issuance and regulation of Australian currency. The Act provides for the specification and design of coins, as well as their legal tender status. One of the key gaps addressed by this legislation was the need for a standardised and regulated process for the creation and release of new coins into circulation, ensuring both the integrity of the currency system and public trust in its use. The Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995, made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer under the authority of the Act, specifies the detailed specifications and designs for various silver, gold, and platinum coins issued in 1995 and 1996. This Determination aims to ensure that the coins meet the required standards for weight, composition, and design, thereby maintaining the quality and recognisability of Australian currency.

Scope and Application

The Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995, made under the Currency Act 1965, specifies the standards and designs for various Australian commemorative coins issued in 1995. This determination applies to the minting of coins with specified denominations, compositions, shapes, weights, diameters, thicknesses, and designs, including those featuring effigies of the Queen and various Australian-themed imagery such as kookaburras and kangaroos. The coins detailed in this determination include $1 and $2 silver coins, $5 and $15 gold coins, $5 and $100 platinum coins, and others, all of which must adhere to the outlined specifications. This legislation applies nationally within Australia, and it does not affect other determinations regarding coin specifications or design. There are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the text of the Determination.

Key Provisions

Currency Determination No. 1 of 1995 sets forth the specifications and design for a range of commemorative coins produced by the Commonwealth of Australia, denominated in $1, $2, $5, $10, $15, $30, $50, $100, and $200. Each coin, regardless of denomination, is circular with a milled edge, and contains certain inscriptions and representations that are specific to the coin's denomination and metal composition, which must include at least 99.9% silver, 99.95% platinum, or 99.99% gold. For example, the $1 silver coin must weigh 31.635 grams, with a 0.500 gram variance allowed, and feature an effigy of the Queen, the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "1 DOLLAR" on the obverse, and a kookaburra in flight with inscriptions "THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 1 OZ. 999 SILVER" and "1995" or "1996" on the reverse (Clauses 4 and 5). The obligations imposed by the Determination require the coins to adhere strictly to these specifications and designs, ensuring consistency and recognisability in the national currency. The Act imposes clear requirements on the entities responsible for producing these coins, mandating adherence to the specified weight, diameter, thickness, and composition outlined in the Determination. It also requires that the coins bear specific inscriptions and designs, such as effigies of the Queen, country names, and representations of national symbols like the kookaburra and kangaroo. Failure to comply with these specifications could result in the coins not being accepted as legal tender, leading to significant implications for both the producers and users of the currency. Breaching the requirements set forth in this Determination can lead to various consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the Determination itself. Generally, under the Currency Act 1965, unauthorised production of coins, or production that does not meet the legal specifications, could be considered counterfeiting or currency fraud. Such offences are serious and can result in substantial penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific provisions of the Currency Act and any other relevant legislation, but they could include fines up to several thousand dollars and imprisonment for several years for more severe cases of counterfeiting or fraud.

Area of Law: Commercial Law
Instrument: Legislative Instrument
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Regulatory Standards; Licensing & Registration

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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.

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