Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2008B00108 In force Legislative Instrument

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Commonwealth of Australia

Currency Act 1965

Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995

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

Dated 7 April 1995.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Citation

1. This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995.

Commencement

2. This Determination commences on 19 April 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 $2 silver coin

4. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which (except for the cameo referred to in paragraph (9) (a)) 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 a smaller representation, in gold cameo, of 2 doves in flight; and

(b) the following inscriptions:

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

(ii) "1995";

(iii) the words "50 YEARS BEYOND WW II";

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

Specifications and design of a $25 gold coin

5. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $25 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 7.807 grams.

(5) A variation of 0.030 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

(6) The diameter of the coin is 20.10 millimetres.

(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.00 millimetres.

(8) The obverse of the coin bears:

(a) an effigy of the Queen; and

(b) the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA" and "25 DOLLARS";

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

(9) The reverse of the coin bears:

(a) a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) a smaller representation of 2 carnations; and

(c) the following inscriptions:

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

(ii) "1995";

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

Specifications and design of a $50 platinum coin

6. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $50 the standard composition of which (except for the cameo referred to in paragraph (9) (a)) 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 a smaller representation, in gold cameo, of 2 doves in flight; and

(b) the following inscriptions:

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

(ii) "1995";

(iii) the words "50 YEARS BEYOND WW II";

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

Specifications and design of a $100 gold coin

7. (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 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) a smaller representation of 2 doves in flight; and

(c) the following inscriptions:

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

(ii) "1995";

(iii) the words "50 YEARS BEYOND WW II";

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

Specifications and design of a $100 gold coin

8. (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 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and

(b) a smaller representation of 2 carnations; and

(c) the following inscriptions:

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

(ii) "1995";

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

Overview

The Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995 was made under the authority of the Currency Act 1965 by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, acting for the Treasurer, to specify the design and specifications of various commemorative coins. This legislation was introduced to address the need for commemorative currency that recognises significant national events and icons, enhancing the cultural and historical value of the nation's currency. The policy objective of this determination was to provide a legal framework for the minting of coins that not only serve as a medium of exchange but also as keepsakes that celebrate and reflect the nation's heritage and values. The Determination sets forth detailed specifications for the design and composition of commemorative coins, including those denominated at $2, $25, $50, and $100, each with unique designs and precious metal compositions, aimed at capturing the essence of Australia's natural beauty and historical milestones.

Scope and Application

The Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995, made under the Currency Act 1965, sets forth the specifications and designs of certain commemorative coins. This legislation applies to coins of various denominations, including $2, $25, $50, and $100, all of which are to be minted in specific precious metals. The coins are subject to detailed specifications regarding their shape, weight, diameter, thickness, and design elements, such as the imagery and inscriptions on both the obverse and reverse sides. The determination outlines the materials used, such as silver, gold, and platinum, and mandates specific purity levels for these metals. The determination applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is effective from 19 April 1995. It is noteworthy that this determination does not affect other determinations regarding coin specifications or design. The act and its subordinate instruments provide a comprehensive framework for the design and minting of these commemorative coins, ensuring consistency and adherence to the prescribed standards.

Key Provisions

The Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995, made under the Currency Act 1965, specifies the specifications and design for various commemorative coins including a $2 silver coin (section 4), a $25 gold coin (section 5), a $50 platinum coin (section 6), and two different designs of a $100 gold coin (sections 7 and 8). These coins all share a circular shape with milled edges and bear inscriptions and representations that are specific to their denomination and material composition. For instance, the $2 silver coin is required to include an effigy of the Queen and certain inscriptions on the obverse, and a representation of a kookaburra and other inscriptions on the reverse. Similarly, each coin has specified standard weights and diameters, with allowable variations. The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities responsible for the minting of these coins. These entities must ensure that the coins meet the precise specifications outlined in the Determination. This includes adhering to the required compositions, such as the $2 coin needing at least 99.9% silver, and the $100 gold coin needing at least 99.99% gold. Additionally, the coins must feature the exact designs as stipulated, including the representations and inscriptions, and must be circular with milled edges. Failure to comply with the specifications and design requirements of the coins as outlined in the Determination could lead to legal consequences. Although the Determination does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Currency Act 1965 can generally result in significant fines and potential imprisonment. The severity of these penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any additional provisions under related legislation or administrative guidelines.

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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.