Explanatory Statement
Statutory Rules 1989, No 231
Issued by the Authority of the Treasurer
Currency Regulations (Amendment)
Paragraph 14(2)(b) of the Currency Act 1965 (the Act) provides that a coin to be made and issued by the Treasurer shall be of the standard weight, design and dimensions as prescribed (by regulation) in relation to that coin.
On 4 August 1989, the Treasurer approved the Royal Australian Mint’s new series of $10 silver collector coins featuring the design theme of Australian native birds. The 1989 $10 ‘Bird Series’ silver coin is the first in the series, which is expected to last at least five years. The design of the 1989 coin features the kookaburra and each year a new design will be released, depicting such birds as the sulphur crested cockatoo, blue wren, etc. The ‘Bird Series’ coins will be released in proof and Piedfort (double thickness) versions. This is the first time a Piedfort coin has been produced in Australia and it is expected to create considerable interest amongst coin collectors both here and overseas. Consistent with all Australia’s legal tender coinage, the effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse side of the coin.
The amendments to Regulations 3 and 4 of the Currency Regulations prescribe the details of the design of the reverse side of the 1989 $10 ‘Bird Series’ silver coin. The amendment to the Schedule to the Currency Regulations prescribes the weight and dimensions of the Piedfort coin.