Explanatory Statement
Statutory Rules 1990, No. 60
Issued by 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.
The 1990 ANZAC commemorative coin is issued to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. The issue and design of this coin were approved by the Treasurer on 4 October 1989. The reverse side design of this coin features a representation of the statue, sculpted by Peter Corlett, known as ‘Simpson and his donkey’. This coin is legal tender for $5.
The 1990 State Series silver coin is the fifth issue in this series of coins. The commencement of this series was announced by the Minister Assisting the Treasurer on 18 June 1985. The 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989 coins featured the Victorian, South Australian, New South Wales and Queensland coat of arms respectively. The 1988 coin featured a special bicentennial design based on the first fleet. The Western Australian Government has consented to the use of the Western Australian coat of arms as the reverse side design of the 1990 coin. This coin is legal tender for $10.
The 1990 ‘Birds of Australia’ series silver coin is the second issue in this series, expected to last about five years, based on the design theme of Australian native birds. The reverse side design on the 1990 coin was approved by the Treasurer on 20 December 1989 and features a sulphur-crested cockatoo. This coin is legal tender for $10.
The 1990 gold collector coin is the second issue in a ten year series based on the design theme of Australian animals. The series is known as the ‘Pride of Australia’ and each year a new design will be issued. The reverse side design of the 1990 coin, approved by the Treasurer on 20 December 1989, features a platypus. This coin is legal tender for $200.
All four coins are issued as part of the Royal Australian Mint’s 1990 collector coin programme. The 1990 ANZAC commemorative coin, the 1990 State series silver coin and the 1990 ‘Pride of Australia’ gold collector coin are released in proof and uncirculated versions. The 1990 ‘Birds of Australia’ series silver coin is released in proof and Piedfort (double thickness) versions, as was the case in 1989.
Consistent with all Australia’s legal tender coinage, the traditional effigy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse side of all these coins.
The amendment to Regulation 3 of the Currency Regulations provides for the Piedfort version of the 1990 ‘Birds of Australia’ silver coin to have the standard weight, dimensions and remedy in respect of weight as specified in item 10A of the Schedule.
The amendment to Regulation 4 of the Currency Regulations prescribes matters relating to the obverse and reverse side designs of each of the coins.