Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2005B02819 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995

as amended

made under subsection 13A (1) of the

Currency Act 1965

This compilation was prepared on 28 March 2006
taking into account amendments up to Currency Determination No. 6 of 1998

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General’s Department, Canberra

Contents

 1 Citation [see Note 1]

 2 Commencement 

 3 Application of the Determination 

 4 Schedule to the Act 

 5 Specifications and design of a $1 silver coin 

 6 Specifications and design of $5 gold coins 

 7 Specifications and design of $15 gold coins 

 8 Specifications and design of $25 gold coins 

 9 Specifications and design of a $40 palladium coin 

 10 Specifications and design of $50 gold coins 

 11 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin 

 12 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin 

 13 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin 

 14 Specifications and design of $100 gold coins 

 15 Additional design specification 

Schedule Table of animals in the Chinese astrological calendar and corresponding year in Roman calendar             

Notes   

 

 

 

1 Citation [see Note 1]

  This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995.

2 Commencement

  This Determination commences on 25 October 1995.

3 Application of the Determination

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

4 Schedule to the Act

  The Act has effect, on and after 25 October 1995, as if:

 (a) there were included in the Schedule to the Act a reference to a denomination of “Forty dollars”; and

 (b) there were specified in that Schedule, opposite to that denomination, as the standard composition of coins of that denomination, the expression “not less than 99.95% palladium”.

5 Specifications and design of a $1 silver coin

 (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) a smaller representation of the mace from the coat of arms of the city of Basel; and

 (c) the inscriptions:

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

 (ii) “1996”;

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

6 Specifications and design of $5 gold coins

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of 12 coins each of the denomination of $5 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

 (2) The shape of each coin is circular.

 (3) The edge of each coin is milled.

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

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

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

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

 (8) The obverse of each 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 each coin.

 (9) The reverse of each coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an animal specified in the table set out in the Schedule; and

 (b) a representation of the Chinese character for that animal; and

 (c) an inscription (written vertically) identifying the year specified in that table in relation to that animal;

 (d) the inscription “ OZ 9999 GOLD”;

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

7 Specifications and design of $15 gold coins

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of 12 coins each of the denomination of $15 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

 (2) The shape of each coin is circular.

 (3) The edge of each coin is milled.

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

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

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

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

 (8) The obverse of each 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 each coin.

 (9) The reverse of each coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an animal specified in the table set out in the Schedule; and

 (b) a representation of the Chinese character for that animal; and

 (c) an inscription (written vertically) identifying the year specified in that table in relation to that animal;

 (d) the inscription “ OZ 9999 GOLD”;

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

8 Specifications and design of $25 gold coins

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of 12 coins each of the denomination of $25 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

 (2) The shape of each coin is circular.

 (3) The edge of each coin is milled.

 (4) The standard weight of each coin is 7.807 grams.

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

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

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

 (8) The obverse of each 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 each coin.

 (9) The reverse of each coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an animal specified in the table set out in the Schedule; and

 (b) a representation of the Chinese character for that animal; and

 (c) an inscription (written vertically) identifying the year specified in that table in relation to that animal;

 (d) the inscription “ OZ 9999 GOLD”;

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

9 Specifications and design of a $40 palladium coin

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $40 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.95% palladium.

 (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 0.066 grams from the standard weight is allowed.

 (6) The diameter of the coin is 36.10 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 “40 DOLLARS”;

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

 (9) The reverse of the coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an emu in a patch of grass with 5 eggs; and

 (b) the inscriptions:

 (i) “THE AUSTRALIAN EMU 1 OZ. 9995 PALLADIUM”; and

 (ii) “1995” or “1996”;

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

10 Specifications and design of $50 gold coins

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of 12 coins each of the denomination of $50 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

 (2) The shape of each coin is circular.

 (3) The edge of each coin is milled.

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

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

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

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

 (8) The obverse of each 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 each coin.

 (9) The reverse of each coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an animal specified in the table set out in the Schedule; and

 (b) a representation of the Chinese character for that animal; and

 (c) an inscription (written vertically) identifying the year specified in that table in relation to that animal;

 (d) the inscription “ OZ 9999 GOLD”;

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

11 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin

 (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 99.99% 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) a representation of the Chinese symbol of prosperity (“fok”) enclosed in a border in the style of a Chinese seal; and

 (c) the inscriptions:

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

 (ii) “1996”;

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

12 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin

 (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 99.99% 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) a representation of the Chinese symbol of success (“luk”) enclosed in a border in the style of a Chinese seal; and

 (c) the inscriptions:

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

 (ii) “1996”;

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

13 Specifications and design of a $50 gold coin

 (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 99.99% 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) a representation of the Chinese symbol of longevity (“shu”) enclosed in a border in the style of a Chinese seal; and

 (c) the inscriptions:

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

 (ii) “1996”;

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

14 Specifications and design of $100 gold coins

 (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of 12 coins each of the denomination of $100 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.

 (2) The shape of each coin is circular.

 (3) The edge of each coin is milled.

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

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

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

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

 (8) The obverse of each 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 each coin.

 (9) The reverse of each coin bears:

 (a) a representation of an animal specified in the table set out in the Schedule; and

 (b) a representation of the Chinese character for that animal; and

 (c) an inscription (written vertically) identifying the year specified in that table in relation to that animal;

 (d) the inscription “1 OZ 9999 GOLD”;

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

15 Additional design specification

 (1) This clause applies to clauses 6, 7, 8, 10 and 14.

 (2) For subclause (9) of each of the clauses, the reverse of each coin to which the clause applies bears the features mentioned in subclause (9), either:

 (a) for a coin dated 1999 — with or without the inscription ‘P100’; or

 (b) for a coin with a date other than 1999 — with or without the inscription ‘P’.

 

Schedule Table of animals in the Chinese astrological calendar and corresponding year in Roman calendar

(subclauses 6 (9), 7 (9), 8 (9), 9 (9), 14 (9))

 

Animal

Year

Mouse

1996

Ox

1997

Tiger

1998

Rabbit

1999

Dragon

2000

Snake

2001

Horse

2002

Goat

2003

Monkey

2004

Rooster

2005

Dog

2006

Pig

2007

Notes to the Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995

Note 1

The Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995 (in force under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965) as shown in this compilation is amended as indicated in the Tables below.

Table of Instruments

Title

Date of notification
in Gazette

Date of
commencement

Application, saving or
transitional provisions

Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995

25 Oct 1995 (see Gazette 1995, No. GN42)

25 Oct 1995

 

Currency Determination No. 6 of 1998

4 Nov 1998 (see Gazette 1998, No. GN44)

16 Oct 1998

—

Table of Amendments

ad. = added or inserted      am. = amended      rep. = repealed      rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

C. 15................

ad. 1998 No. 6

 

Overview

The Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995, as amended, was made under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965. This legislative instrument was enacted to address the need for specific specifications and designs for certain coins. The Currency Act 1965 is the overarching legislation that governs the issuance and design of Australian currency, and this determination provides additional detail in line with the Act. The determination was prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing, Attorney-General’s Department, and it was last updated on 28 March 2006, incorporating amendments up to Currency Determination No. 6 of 1998. The determination outlines the specifications and designs for various gold and silver coins, including their composition, weight, diameter, and design elements, ensuring they meet the standards set forth in the Currency Act. This helps maintain the integrity and recognisability of Australian currency.

Scope and Application

The Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995, made under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, pertains to the specifications and design of various commemorative coins minted by the Royal Australian Mint. This Determination applies to coins of different denominations, including $1 silver coins, $5, $15, $25, $40, $50, and $100 gold coins, each with specific standards for composition, weight, diameter, and thickness. The coins feature distinct designs, such as effigies of the Queen, representations of animals from the Chinese astrological calendar, and inscriptions indicating the coin's denomination and year of minting. This Determination came into effect on 25 October 1995 and has since been amended by Currency Determination No. 6 of 1998. It does not affect any other determination of the specifications or design of coins. The scope of the Determination extends to the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the production and issuance of these coins by the Royal Australian Mint.

Key Provisions

The Currency Determination No. 5 of 1995, as amended, sets forth the specifications and design for various gold and palladium coins minted under the Currency Act 1965. The main operative sections outline the specifications for the coins, including their shape, weight, diameter, thickness, and the images and inscriptions that must be featured on both the obverse and reverse sides of the coins. For example, Section 5 specifies that a $1 silver coin must be circular with a milled edge, weighing 31.635 grams with a permissible variation of 0.500 grams, and must depict an effigy of the Queen and specific inscriptions on the obverse, and a kookaburra and other symbols on the reverse. Similarly, Sections 6 through 14 detail the specifications and designs for various denominations of gold coins, which include a circular shape, milled edges, specific weights, diameters, thicknesses, and particular designs featuring animals from the Chinese astrological calendar and inscriptions indicating the year. The Schedule to the Act includes a reference to a denomination of "Forty dollars" with a standard composition of "not less than 99.95% palladium." The Act imposes obligations on the parties or entities involved in the minting of these coins, ensuring that the coins meet the specified standards for composition, weight, and design. These obligations include adherence to the detailed specifications provided in the determination, such as the precise weight and dimensions of the coins, as well as the mandatory inclusion of specific images and inscriptions on both sides of the coins. Minters must ensure that each coin conforms to these specifications to be considered compliant with the Act. Failure to comply with the specifications and design requirements set out in the Determination can result in various consequences. Although the Determination does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches, non-compliance with the Currency Act 1965 or any regulations made under it could potentially lead to legal action. Such actions may include fines, sanctions, or other penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions outlined in the Currency Act or other related laws.

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