Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996

Administered by Department of the Treasury

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Commonwealth of Australia

Currency Act 1965

Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996

I, CHARLES RODERICK KEMP, Assistant Treasurer, acting for the Treasurer, make the following Determination under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965.

Dated 9th December 1996.

Assistant Treasurer

Citation

1. This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996.

Commencement

2. This Determination commences on 13 December 1996.

Specifications of certain coins

3. This Determination specifies, in relation to certain coins having the denominations and standard compositions specified in columns 1 and 2 of Part 1 of the Schedule, the standard weights, the allowable variations from those standard weights, the dimensions and the designs respectively set out in columns 3, 4 and 5 of that Part.

Application of Determination

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

SCHEDULE Clause 3

PART 1—SPECIFICATIONS OF COINS

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4		Column 5
Denomination	Standard composition — not less than	Standard weight and allowable variation (g)	Dimensions—		Design—
Denomination	Standard composition — not less than	Standard weight and allowable variation (g)	(1) Diameter (mm)	(2) Thickness (mm)	(1) Shape	(2) Edge	(3) Obverse	(4) Reverse
$1	99.9% silver	31.635 ± 0.500	40.60	4.00	S1	E1	O1	R1
								R2
								R3
								R4
$2	99.9% silver	62.770 ± 0.500	50.30	4.50	S1	E2	O1	R5
								R6
								R7
$5	99.99% gold	1.571 ± 0.015	14.10	1.40	S1	E1	O1	R8
	99.95% platinum	1.571 ± 0.015	14.10	1.40	S1	E1	O1	R9
$10	99.9% silver	312.347 ± 1.00	75.50	8.70	S1	E2	O1	R10
$15	99.99% gold	3.133 ± 0.022	16.10	1.50	S1	E1	O1	R11
	99.95% platinum	3.137 ± 0.025	16.10	1.32	S1	E1	O1	R12
$25	99.99% gold	7.807 ± 0.030	20.10	2.00	S1	E1	O1	R13
	99.95% platinum	7.815 ± 0.035	20.10	1.90	S1	E1	O1	R14
$30	99.9% silver	1002.502 ± 1.50	101.00	14.60	S1	E2	O1	R15
$40	99.95% palladium	31.185 ± 0.066	36.10	4.00	S1	E1	O1	R16
$50	99.99% gold	15.594 ± 0.040	25.10	2.40	S1	E1	O1	R17
								R18
	99.95% platinum	15.605 ± 0.045	25.10	2.30	S1	E1	O1	R19
$100	99.99% gold	31.162 ± 0.055	32.10	2.80	S1	E1	O1	R20
	99.95% platinum	31.185 ± 0.065	32.10	2.70	S1	E1	O1	R21
$200	99.99% gold	62.265 ± 0.05	40.60	4.00	S1	E1	O1	R22
	99.95% platinum	62.313 ± 0.075	40.60	3.80	S1	E1	O1	R23

PART 2—EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

1. Shape:

S1 = circular.

2. Edge:

E1 = milled.

E2 = 8 segments, of which 4 are milled and 4 are plain.

96M193A, 15/11/96, 12:29 PM 96101205

SCHEDULE—continued

3. Obverse:

O1 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing:

(a) the inscriptions:

(i) "ELIZABETH II"; and

(ii) "AUSTRALIA"; and

(b) an inscription stating, in arabic numerals, the amount, in dollars of the denomination of the coin, followed by the word "DOLLAR" or "DOLLARS", as the case requires;

that, in turn, surround an effigy of the Queen.

4. Reverse:

R1 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn, surround:

(d) a smaller circle enclosing:

(i) a representation of one of the objects specified in the following table; and

(ii) the inscription specified in that table in relation to that object:

Object	Inscription
Elk	FINLAND
Monument of the Discoveries	PORTUGAL
The Colosseum	ITALY
Windmill	NETHERLANDS
The Little Mermaid	DENMARK

R2 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1998";

that, in turn, surround:

(d) a smaller circle enclosing:

(i) a representation of one of the objects specified in the following table; and

SCHEDULE—continued

(ii) the inscription specified in that table in relation to that object:

Object	Inscription
Irish Harp	IRELAND
Robert Schuman Building	LUXEMBOURG
Alhambra	SPAIN
St Stephen's Cathedral	AUSTRIA
Delaware Ship	SWEDEN

R3 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn, surround a circle enclosing:

(d) a smaller circle enclosing, in gold cameo:

(i) a representation of Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family in Barcelona; and

(ii) the inscription "GAUDI".

R4 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a circle enclosing a representation of a kookaburra perched on a fence.

R5 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn surround:

(d) a representation of the reverse of:

(i) a 1937 Australian Penny; or

(ii) a 1937 Australian Florin.

R6 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn, surround a circle enclosing:

(d) a representation of the reverse of:

(i) a 1937 Australian Threepence; or

(ii) a 1937 Australian Shilling; or

(iii) a 1937 Australian Crown.

SCHEDULE—continued

R7 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a kookaburra perched on a fence.

R8 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R9 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

R10 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a kookaburra perched on a fence.

R11 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R12 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

R13 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET ¼ OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R14 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA ¼ OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

R15 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a kookaburra perched on a fence.

R16 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN EMU 1 OZ. 9995 PALLADIUM"; and

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 emus.

SCHEDULE—continued

R17 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET ½ OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(b) "1998";

that, in turn, surround:

(d) a representation of:

(i) the Chinese symbol of prosperity ("Fok"); or

(ii) the Chinese symbol of success ("Luk"); or

(iii) the Chinese symbol of longevity ("Shu");

enclosed in a border in the style of a Chinese seal.

R18 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET ½ OZ. 9999 GOLD"; and

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R19 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

(a) "THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA ½ OZ. 9995 PLATINUM"; and

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

R 20 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R 21 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997" or "1998";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

R 22 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn, surround a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design.

R 23 = a circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions:

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

(b) "1997";

that, in turn, surround a representation of a koala sitting on a branch of a tree.

__________________

Overview

The Currency Act 1965 was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to address the need for a legal framework governing the issuance and specifications of Australian currency. This Act was enacted by the Australian Parliament, aiming to provide a clear legal basis for the issuance of coins and the regulation of their specifications. The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996, made under the authority of the Currency Act 1965, was introduced to specify the detailed standards for certain coins, including their weight, composition, dimensions, and design. This Determination ensures consistency and quality in the production of Australian currency, providing precise guidelines for the minting of coins and preventing any ambiguity regarding their specifications.

Scope and Application

Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996 applies to the specifications of certain coins in relation to their denominations, standard compositions, standard weights, allowable variations, dimensions, and designs, as detailed in the Schedule of the Determination. This legislation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, setting the specifications for the physical characteristics of certain coins. Notably, this Determination does not affect any other determination of the specifications of a coin. The Determination is applicable to coins with specific denominations and compositions, including those made from gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Each coin's specifications, such as weight, dimensions, and design elements, are precisely outlined, ensuring uniformity and adherence to the standards set by the Commonwealth. The Determination is a subordinate instrument under the Currency Act 1965, which allows for further detailed specifications and amendments through such legislative instruments.

Key Provisions

The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1996 sets forth the specifications for certain coins issued under the Currency Act 1965. Specifically, it details the standard composition, standard weights, allowable variations, dimensions, and designs for various denominations of coins (s.3). These specifications apply to coins with denominations and standard compositions listed in Part 1 of the Schedule. The Determination does not affect other coin specifications set by previous determinations (s.4). Under this Determination, the Treasurer is required to ensure that the coins minted meet the specified standards in terms of weight, dimensions, design, and composition. This includes overseeing the manufacturing process to comply with the allowable variations and ensuring that the coins bear the correct inscriptions and images as detailed in the Schedule. Mints and manufacturers of coins must adhere to these specifications to ensure uniformity and legal tender status of the coins. Failure to comply with the specifications outlined in this Determination may result in legal repercussions. While the Determination itself does not explicitly state offences or penalties, contravention of the Currency Act 1965, under which this Determination is made, could lead to substantial penalties. Offences under the Currency Act may incur penalties that can include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the contravention. The Act allows for penalties that can be significant, reflecting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the currency.

Area of Law: Currency Law
Instrument: Legislative Instrument
Concepts: Commencement Provisions; Specifications of certain coins; Application of Determination

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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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