Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 8)

Overview

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 8) was enacted to specify the composition, weight, dimensions, and design of certain coins under the Currency Act 1965. This Determination was introduced to ensure consistency in the production of Australian currency coins by the Royal Australian Mint, thereby maintaining the integrity and uniformity of Australia's currency. The Determination was made by ROSS CAMERON, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, and it commenced on the date of its notification in the Gazette. The policy objective of this Determination is to provide clear specifications for the coins issued, ensuring they meet the standards set forth by the Currency Act 1965.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 8) applies to the specifications of particular coins as defined under the Currency Act 1965. This determination, made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, details the technical specifications for certain coins, including their denomination, composition, weight, dimensions, and design. These specifications pertain to both physical attributes and aesthetic elements such as the obverse and reverse designs. The Determination applies to all entities involved in the minting and distribution of these coins, ensuring compliance with the outlined standards. The geographic reach of this legislation is effectively national, as it applies to coins within Australia, aligning with the broader objectives of the Currency Act 1965. The Determination itself does not impose any exclusions or exemptions but rather sets out mandatory standards that must be adhered to. Additionally, the application of this Determination can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments under the authority of the Currency Act 1965.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2004 (No. 8) specifies the design, composition, and dimensions of certain Australian coins. The key operative sections of this Determination are section 1, which names the Determination itself; section 2, which states the commencement date; section 3, which specifies the coins; and section 4, which applies the Determination. The Determination is set out in Schedule 1, which details the specifications for each coin. Under section 3, the Determination provides the specifications for two $1 coins. The first coin is made of at least 99.9% silver, weighs 11.66 grams with an allowable variation of ± 0.240 grams, and has a diameter of 25.12mm and a thickness of 2.80mm. The second coin is made from copper, aluminium, and nickel, weighs 9.00 grams with an allowable variation of ± 0.280 grams, and also has a diameter of 25.12mm and a thickness of 2.80mm. Both coins have a circular shape with 14 segments on the edge, 7 milled and 7 plain. The obverse design features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the monogram 'IRB' with the inscriptions 'ELIZABETH II' and 'AUSTRALIA 2005'. The reverse design depicts an Australian soldier playing a bugle, with inscriptions 'GALLIPOLI', 'LEST WE FORGET', '1915 – 2005', and '1 DOLLAR', with the second coin also featuring one of the letters 'B', 'C', 'M', 'S', 'H', 'P', 'D', 'A', or 'G'. The Determination imposes specific obligations on the Royal Australian Mint and any other entities involved in producing or distributing these coins. They must adhere strictly to the specifications outlined in Schedule 1, ensuring that each coin meets the requirements for denomination, composition, weight, dimensions, and design. The specifications set out in Schedule 1 are exclusive to these coins and do not affect any other coin specifications determined under the Currency Act 1965. Failure to comply with the specifications outlined in the Determination may lead to legal consequences. Offences under the Currency Act 1965, particularly those related to the production of counterfeit or substandard coins, can result in criminal penalties. For example, under section 127 of the Currency Act, a person found guilty of making or possessing a counterfeit coin can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. Additionally, any person or entity that knowingly distributes coins that do not meet the specifications could face civil penalties, including fines or other sanctions, depending on the severity of the breach. These penalties serve as a deterrent to ensure the integrity of Australia's currency and maintain public trust in the minting process.