Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7)

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2006B00533 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7)

I, ROSS CAMERON, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, make this Determination under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965.

Dated 30 July 2004

ROSS CAMERON

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Contents

 1 Name of Determination 

 2 Commencement 

 3 Specification of coins 

 4 Application of Determination 

Schedule 1 Specifications of coins 

 

 

 

1 Name of Determination

  This Determination is the Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7).

2 Commencement

  This Determination commences on the date of its notification in the Gazette.

3 Specification of coins

 (1) For subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965, each item in Schedule 1 specifies:

 (a) the denomination of a coin; and

 (b) the coin’s standard composition; and

 (c) the coin’s standard weight, and the allowable variation from that weight; and

 (d) the coin’s dimensions; and

 (e) the coin’s design.

 (2) A reference in Schedule 1 to the diameter of a coin is, for a coin that is not circular, a reference to the distance between two parallel faces of the edge of the coin.

4 Application of Determination

  The specifications in Schedule 1 do not affect any other determination of the specifications of a coin.

Schedule 1 Specifications of coins

(section 3)

 

 

Item 1

5c coin

Denomination

5c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

3.24g ± 0.12g

Maximum diameter

19.53mm

Maximum thickness

1.55mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of an echidna; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘5’;

 (ii) ‘SD’.

 

Item 2

5c coin

Denomination

5c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

6.13g ± 0.10g

Maximum diameter

19.53mm

Maximum thickness

1.55mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of an echidna; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘5’;

 (ii) ‘SD’.

 

Item 3

10c coin

Denomination

10c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

6.57g ± 0.17g

Maximum diameter

23.72mm

Maximum thickness

1.98mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a lyrebird; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘10’;

 (ii) ‘SD’.

 

Item 4

10c coin

Denomination

10c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

12.29g ± 0.15g

Maximum diameter

23.72mm

Maximum thickness

1.98mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a lyrebird; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘10’;

 (ii) ‘SD’.

 

Item 5

20c coin

Denomination

20c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

13.36g ± 0.30g

Maximum diameter

28.65mm

Maximum thickness

2.52mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a soldier, a woman and a child; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 COMING HOME’;

 (ii) ‘20’.

 

Item 6

20c coin

Denomination

20c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

24.56g ± 0.20g

Maximum diameter

28.65mm

Maximum thickness

2.52mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a soldier, a woman and a child; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 COMING HOME’;

 (ii) ‘20’.

 

Item 7

50c coin

Denomination

50c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

18.24g ± 0.40g

Maximum diameter

31.65mm

Maximum thickness

2.80mm

Shape

Dodecagonal

Edge

Plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of:

 (i) a cemetery with 3 crosses; and

 (ii) a Minister of Religion; and

 (iii) 4 soldiers; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 REMEMBRANCE’;

 (ii) ‘FIFTY CENTS’.

 

Item 8

50c coin

Denomination

50c

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

33.88g ± 0.25g

Maximum diameter

31.65mm

Maximum thickness

2.80mm

Shape

Dodecagonal

Edge

Plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of:

 (i) a cemetery with 3 crosses; and

 (ii) a Minister of Religion; and

 (iii) 4 soldiers; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 REMEMBRANCE’;

 (ii) ‘FIFTY CENTS’.

 

Item 9

$1 coin

Denomination

$1

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

11.66g ± 0.24g

Maximum diameter

25.12mm

Maximum thickness

2.80mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

14 segments, of which 7 are milled and 7 are plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a man dancing, with a hat held in his hand and his shadow; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 PEACE’;

 (ii) ‘1 DOLLAR’.

 

Item 10

$1 coin

Denomination

$1

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

21.70g ± 0.18g

Maximum diameter

25.12mm

Maximum thickness

2.80mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

14 segments, of which 7 are milled and 7 are plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a man dancing, with a hat held in his hand and his shadow; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 PEACE’;

 (ii) ‘1 DOLLAR’.

 

Item 11

$2 coin

Denomination

$2

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

8.55g ± 0.21g

Maximum diameter

20.62mm

Maximum thickness

3.00mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

8 segments, of which 4 are milled and 4 are plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of:

 (i) an Aboriginal elder; and

 (ii) the Southern Cross Constellation; and

 (iii) a grasstree; and

 (b) the inscription ‘2 DOLLARS’.

 

Item 12

$2 coin

Denomination

$2

Standard composition

Not less than 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

16.03g ± 0.15g

Maximum diameter

20.62mm

Maximum thickness

3.00mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

8 segments, of which 4 are milled and 4 are plain

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of:

 (i) an Aboriginal elder; and

 (ii) the Southern Cross Constellation; and

 (iii) a grasstree; and

 (b) the inscription ‘2 DOLLARS’.

 

Item 13

$1 coin

Denomination

$1

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

31.635g ± 0.50g

Maximum diameter

40.15mm

Maximum thickness

3.50mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of:

 (i) a kangaroo; and

 (ii) the Southern Cross Constellation; and

 (iii) a seven pointed star;

  superimposed on a circle; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘One Dollar’;

 (ii) ‘1 ounce fine silver’.

 

Item 14

$1 coin

Denomination

$1

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver, partially plated with 99.99% gold

Standard weight and
allowable variation

31.635g ± 0.50g

Maximum diameter

40.15mm

Maximum thickness

3.50mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2005’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a gold-plated representation of:

 (i) a kangaroo; and

 (ii) the Southern Cross Constellation; and

 (iii) a seven pointed star;

  superimposed on a circle; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘One Dollar’;

 (ii) ‘1 ounce fine silver’.

 

Item 15

$5 coin

Denomination

$5

Standard composition

Not less than 99.9% silver

Standard weight and
allowable variation

31.635g ± 0.50g

Maximum diameter

40.15mm

Maximum thickness

3.50mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2004’; and

 (c) ‘FIVE DOLLARS’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of a steam train on railway tracks, partially covering an outline map of Australia; and

 (b) the following inscriptions:

 (i) ‘150 YEARS OF STEAM RAILWAYS IN AUSTRALIA’;

 (ii) ‘1854 – 2004’.

 

Item 16

$5 coin

Denomination

$5

Standard composition

Copper, zinc, aluminium and tin

Standard weight and
allowable variation

20.00g ± 0.50g

Maximum diameter

38.90mm

Maximum thickness

2.65mm

Shape

Circular

Edge

Continuously milled

Obverse design

An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the monogram ‘IRB’ surrounded by the inscriptions:

 (a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and

 (b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2004’; and

 (c) ‘FIVE DOLLARS’.

Reverse design

A design consisting of:

 (a) a representation of the ship ‘Lady Nelson’ at sea and representations of 2 branches of leatherwood, superimposed on an outline map of Tasmania; and

 (b) the inscription ‘BICENTENARY OF TASMANIA’; and

 (c) the inscription ‘H’ surrounded by a circle.

 

Overview

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7) was enacted to specify the composition, weight, dimensions, and design of particular coins under the Currency Act 1965. This determination was made by Ross Cameron, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, and it provides detailed specifications for various coins, including their denomination, standard composition, weight, dimensions, and design elements. It ensures consistency and quality in the production of Australian currency. The objective of this Determination is to establish precise technical standards for the coins, which aids in maintaining the integrity and recognisability of Australia's currency.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7) applies to the specifications of certain coins produced by the Royal Australian Mint. The determination details the physical attributes, including denomination, composition, weight, dimensions, and design, for a specified range of coins as outlined in the attached schedule. This instrument operates under the authority of the Currency Act 1965, which it supplements by providing detailed specifications for coins issued in Australia. The determination's scope is limited to the specifications of coins and does not alter any other determinations regarding coin specifications. It is a Commonwealth instrument, binding across Australia, and it does not contain any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. The application of this determination can be extended or modified through subsequent determinations under the Currency Act 1965.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 7) specifies the standards for various coins, as stipulated under section 3 of the Determination. This includes the denomination, composition, weight, dimensions, and design of each coin, as outlined in Schedule 1. For example, the 5c coin must be made of at least 99.9% silver, weigh 3.24g with an allowable variation of ± 0.12g, and have a diameter of 19.53mm and thickness of 1.55mm. The coin must be circular with a continuously milled edge and feature specific designs on both the obverse and reverse sides. Similar specifications are provided for the 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins, as well as for gold versions of some of these coins. The Determination imposes several obligations on the Royal Australian Mint and potentially on other entities involved in the production and distribution of these coins. These obligations include adhering to the precise specifications outlined for each coin, such as the exact composition, weight, dimensions, and design. The mint must ensure that the coins conform to these standards to maintain their legal tender status and to avoid any legal repercussions. The obligations also extend to the minting process, ensuring that the coins are produced using the materials and methods specified, and that the designs are accurately and consistently replicated on each coin. Breaches of the specifications or obligations outlined in this Determination could potentially lead to legal consequences. Although the Determination itself does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, such breaches could be considered violations of the Currency Act 1965, which the Determination is made under. Under the Currency Act, offences related to the production and distribution of coins can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional legislative provisions that might apply.

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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.