Commonwealth of Australia
Currency Act 1965
Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997
I, CHARLES RODERICK KEMP, Assistant Treasurer, acting for the Treasurer, make the following Determination under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965.
Dated 16 September 1997.
C.R. KEMP
Assistant Treasurer
____________
Citation
1. This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997.
Commencement
2. This Determination commences on 19 November 1997.
Specifications of coins
3. This Determination specifies, for a coin having the denomination and standard composition mentioned in columns 1 and 2 of Part 1 of the Schedule, the standard weight, and allowable variation from that weight, the dimensions and the design mentioned 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 COIN
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 |
Denomination | Standard composition | Standard weight and allowable | Dimensions | Design |
| | 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 | R53 |
PART 2—EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
Design Feature | Symbol | Explanation |
Shape | S1 | Circular |
Edge | E1 | Milled |
Obverse | O1 | A circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions: (a) “ELIZABETH II”; and (b) “AUSTRALIA”; and (c) “1 DOLLAR”; that, in turn, surround an effigy of the Queen. |
Reverse | R53 | A circle of raised beads, immediately inside the rim, enclosing the inscriptions: (a) “THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 1OZ. 999 SILVER”; and (b) “1997”; that, in turn, surround: (c) a representation of a kookaburra, and young, in the hollow of a tree; and (d) a smaller circle enclosing, in gold cameo, a representation of a giant panda and bamboo. |
Overview
The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997 was made under the authority of the Currency Act 1965 by the Assistant Treasurer, Charles Roderick Kemp, acting for the Treasurer. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need to specify the physical characteristics and design of new coins. The determination specifies the standard weight, allowable variations, dimensions, and design for coins with a denomination and standard composition as outlined in the schedule. Notably, this determination was issued to provide detailed specifications for the newly minted one-dollar coin, which featured a design celebrating Australian wildlife and flora. The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997 commenced on 19 November 1997 and did not affect any other determinations of coin specifications, ensuring that the unique features of this coin were clearly defined and distinct from other coins in circulation.
Scope and Application
The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997 under the Currency Act 1965 provides specific specifications for a coin with a denomination and standard composition outlined in the schedule, including its standard weight, allowable variation, dimensions, and design. This Determination applies to the currency issued by the Commonwealth of Australia and specifies the particulars for a one-dollar coin made of 99.9% silver. The specifications include the weight, dimensions, and detailed design elements such as the shape, edge, and both the obverse and reverse inscriptions and images. Notably, this Determination does not affect any other specifications of coins. The Determination is a legislative instrument that operates under the authority of the Assistant Treasurer, acting on behalf of the Treasurer, and it came into effect on 19 November 1997.
Key Provisions
The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997, made under the Currency Act 1965, sets forth specific specifications for the design and composition of the one-dollar coin. Section 3 of the Determination outlines the standard weight, allowable variation, dimensions, and design of the coin, which must adhere to the details provided in Part 1 of the Schedule. The coin is specified to be made of 99.9% silver, with a standard weight of 31.635 grams, with an allowable variation of ±0.500 grams, a diameter of 40.60 millimetres, and a thickness of 4.00 millimetres. The design elements, as described in columns 4 and 5 of the Schedule, include a circular shape with a milled edge, an obverse side featuring an effigy of the Queen enclosed within a circle of raised beads and inscriptions, and a reverse side depicting a kookaburra and young, along with a smaller circle showing a giant panda and bamboo, all enclosed within a circle of raised beads and inscriptions.
The Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997 imposes obligations on parties involved in the minting and issuance of currency to comply with the specified standards and designs. This includes ensuring that the coins minted meet the weight, dimensions, composition, and design criteria set out in the Determination. Mints and other entities responsible for producing the currency must adhere to these specifications to maintain uniformity and integrity in the national currency. The obligations extend to ensuring that the coins are manufactured to the prescribed standards, thereby facilitating consistent circulation and recognition of the currency.
Failure to comply with the Currency Determination No. 6 of 1997 may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the Determination itself does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Currency Act 1965, under which this Determination is made, can lead to significant penalties. Under the Currency Act, individuals or entities found guilty of offences such as counterfeiting, possessing unauthorised dies or plates for producing currency, or knowingly using such materials, may face severe penalties. For instance, offences related to counterfeiting can result in fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, highlighting the seriousness with which the Act treats violations concerning currency standards and specifications.