Currency Determination No. 14 of 1993

Overview

The Currency Determination No. 14 of 1993 is a legislative instrument under the Currency Act 1965, enacted to specify the design and physical characteristics of a $10 coin. This determination was made by Gary Johns, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, on behalf of the Treasurer. The act aimed to address the need for a distinctive coin that could serve as both a legal tender and a collectible item. The policy objective was to introduce a coin with a unique design that celebrates Australian heritage and environmental conservation. The coin in question is circular, has a milled edge, and weighs 20.00 grams with an allowable variation of 0.500 grams. Its diameter is 34.10 millimetres, and it is 2.90 millimetres thick. The obverse side features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and inscriptions including her name, the country, and the year of minting. The reverse side depicts a Palm Cockatoo and includes the denomination, along with a small motif of the United Nations Environment Program logo. This determination ensures that the coin adheres to the standards set forth by the Currency Act 1965 while also providing a unique piece of currency.

Scope and Application

The Currency Determination No. 14 of 1993, made under the Currency Act 1965, pertains to the specifications and design of a $10 coin, which is composed of not less than 92.5% silver. This determination outlines specific physical attributes such as the coin's circular shape, milled edge, standard weight of 20.00 grams with a permissible variation of 0.500 grams, a diameter of 34.10 millimetres, and a thickness of 2.90 millimetres. It also specifies the coin's design, detailing that the obverse side features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II along with the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and "1993", while the reverse side includes a representation of a Palm Cockatoo, the inscription "TEN DOLLARS", and a small motif of the United Nations Environment Program logo. This determination applies solely to the specifications and design of the $10 coin and does not impact other coin specifications or designs. The determination applies broadly within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the $10 coin adheres to the outlined specifications and design standards. It does not detail any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, focusing exclusively on the physical and design aspects of the coin. Although the Currency Act 1965 may allow for further regulations or specifications through subordinate instruments, this particular determination stands alone in its detailed prescription of the $10 coin's characteristics.

Key Provisions

The Currency Determination No. 14 of 1993 under the Currency Act 1965 sets forth the specific characteristics and design of a $10 coin. This coin, as outlined in section 3, must have a composition that includes at least 92.5% silver. The coin is circular in shape with a milled edge, weighing 20.00 grams with an allowance of a 0.500 gram variance, a diameter of 34.10 millimetres, and a thickness of 2.90 millimetres. The obverse side of the coin features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, along with inscriptions that include “ELIZABETH II”, “AUSTRALIA”, and the year “1993”. The reverse side showcases a representation of a Palm Cockatoo, the inscription “TEN DOLLARS”, and a small motif of the United Nations Environment Program logo. This Determination imposes several obligations on the minting and issuance of the $10 coin. The specifications outlined must be strictly adhered to, ensuring that the coins produced meet the required weight, diameter, thickness, and composition. The design elements, including the inscriptions and motifs, must be accurately depicted on both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin. These specifications ensure consistency and recognisability of the currency. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Determination can lead to serious legal consequences. While the Determination does not explicitly list offences or penalties, non-compliance with the Currency Act 1965 or its subsidiary legislation could result in civil or criminal liability. The Currency Act itself may impose penalties for producing or distributing counterfeit currency or coins, which could include fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the Treasurer has the authority to take enforcement actions against those who breach the Act or its determinations, which may include fines or other sanctions as deemed appropriate.