Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2017L00459 In force Legislative Instrument

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Explanatory Statement

 

Currency Act 1965

 

Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017

 

Under paragraph 13(2)(b) and subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965, the Minister for Small Business has made a determination regarding the specification of coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint.

Paragraph 13(2)(b) and subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 require that the determination provides details of the coins’ denomination and characteristics, including standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design and dimensions. Each item in the table below explains a corresponding item in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to this determination.

Item 1 and Item 2

50c Copper and Nickel Coin – National Reconciliation Week and

50c Silver Coin – National Reconciliation Week

 

Reverse

The design features an effigy of Eddie Koiki Mabo and includes the Torres Strait Islander flag superimposed on an ornate ribbon and the Australian Aboriginal flag superimposed on an ornate ribbon. The design also includes a representation of 3 fanned pamphlets wherein one pamphlet is positioned on top of the other pamphlets and contains the words ‘RIGHT’, ‘WRONGS’, ‘WRITE’, ‘YES’, ‘for’, ‘ABORIGINES!’. Each of the two remaining pamphlets is partially obscured and contains the word ‘ABORIGINES!’. In the background there is a circle. The design includes the inscriptions ‘50’, ‘1992 MABO – 25 YEARS’ and ‘1967 REFERENDUM – 50 YEARS’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 3

50c Copper and Nickel Coin – The Western Front: Amiens

 

Reverse

A representation of a tank and digging tools in a barren landscape of dirt and mud. The design includes 3 soldiers. Two of those soldiers are standing in front of the tank while one of those soldiers is standing behind the tank. The design also includes a representation of clouds, 7 birds in flight and the inscriptions ‘50’, ‘AMIENS’ and ‘1918.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 4

50c Copper and Nickel Coin – The Western Front: Villers - Bretonneux

 

Reverse

A representation of a hilly, barren landscape. The design includes a representation of a soldier kneeling inside a trench, a soldier sitting above that trench and 2 soldiers standing inside that trench, next to their equipment and a machine gun. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘50’, ‘VILLERS – BRETONNEUX’, ‘HILL 104’and ‘1918’ as well as a stylised representation of the initials of the designer Edward James Llewellen “EJL”.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 5

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coloured Coin Possum Magic: Hush in Tree

 

Reverse

The design features a central cartoon representation of a possum, the Hush character from the book “Possum Magic”, wherein the possum is transparent and is handing by its tail from a gum tree branch. Surrounding the central representation are stylised representations of multi-coloured irregular star shapes superimposed on 3 concentric circles. The design includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘TWO DOLLARS’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 6

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coloured Coin – Possum Magic: Hush and Sandwich

 

Reverse

The design features a central cartoon representation of a possum, the Hush character from the book “Possum Magic”, wherein the possum is partially transparent and is holding a partially eaten sandwich. Surrounding the central representation are stylised representations of multi-coloured irregular star shapes superimposed on 3 concentric circles. The design includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘TWO DOLLARS’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 7

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coloured Coin – Possum Magic: Hush Dancing

 

Reverse

The design features a central cartoon representation of a possum, the Hush character from the book “Possum Magic”, wherein the possum is smiling, looking up and dancing with its front limbs extended. Surrounding the central representation are stylised representations of multi-coloured irregular star shapes superimposed on 3 concentric circles. The design includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘TWO DOLLARS’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 8

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – Possum Magic: Bush Magic

 

Reverse

A cartoon representation of possum characters from the book “Possum Magic”, positioned over a branch extending across the coin horizontally. The design includes Grandma Poss, wearing glasses, striped slippers and an apron with stars printed on it, extending its front limbs and emitting irregular star shapes and dust from its paws. The design also includes three representations of Hush. The first representation of Hush shows the possum with its paws on its head, looking down. The second representation of Hush shows the possum with its paws on its head, looking down at its transparent tail. The third representation of Hush shows the possum with its head drawn in detail, holding its transparent front limbs in the air and looking down at its transparent trunk, back limbs and tail. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘1 DOLLAR.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 9

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – Possum Magic: Riding a Bike

 

Reverse

A cartoon representation of the possum characters, Grandma Poss and Hush from the book “Possum Magic” wherein Hush is transparent and is riding on the back of Grandma Poss. That Grandma Poss in turn is riding a bicycle with a flag at the rear of the bicycle, a parcel and toilet paper strapped to the back rack, and books and a map positioned in the front basket. That Grandma Poss is wearing glasses, sport shoes and an apron with stars printed on it. The design also includes irregular star shapes and the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘1 DOLLAR.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 10

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – Possum Magic: Eating Lamingtons

 

Reverse

A cartoon representation of the possum characters, Grandma Poss and Hush from the book “Possum Magic”, positioned on a large plate with lamingtons. That Grandma Poss is wearing glasses, sport shoes and an apron with stars printed on it. That Hush has a transparent head and is eating a piece of lamington. The design includes representations of crumbs and irregular star shapes. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘1 DOLLAR.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 11

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – Possum Magic: Celebration

 

Reverse

A cartoon representation of characters from the book “Possum Magic”, positioned over a branch extending across the coin horizontally. Hush, a possum is eating a piece of lamington. Grandma Poss, a possum is wearing glasses, slippers and an apron with stars printed on it and is holding a piece of pavlova in one paw and a plate with sandwiches, lamingtons and pavlova in the other paw. The design includes a kookaburra reaching for a sandwich with its beak, a possum reaching for a sandwich with its left paw, a possum offering a piece of lamington and a possum with its front limbs crossed. The design also includes irregular star shapes and the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and 1 DOLLAR.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 12

50c Copper and Nickel Coloured Coin – Possum Magic: Bush Magic

 

Reverse

A coloured cartoon representation of characters from the book “Possum Magic” positioned over a branch extending across the coin horizontally. The design includes a koala hanging on to that branch. Grandma Poss, a possum is wearing glasses, slippers and an apron with stars printed on it and is pouring irregular star shapes from her apron. Two possums are looking down at the falling stars. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘50’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

Item 13

50c Copper and Nickel Coin – Possum Magic: Bush Magic

 

Reverse

A cartoon representation of characters from the book “Possum Magic” positioned over a branch extending across the coin horizontally. The design includes a koala hanging on to that branch. Grandma Poss, a possum is wearing glasses, slippers and an apron with stars printed on it and is pouring multi-coloured irregular star shapes from her apron. Two possums are looking down at the falling stars. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘POSSUM MAGIC’ and ‘50’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’

Item 14

$1 Silver Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’ and ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘1 DOLLAR’.

Item 15

$30 Silver Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’ and ‘1kg .999 Ag.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘30 DOLLARS’.

Item 16

$1 Silver Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’ and ‘1oz .999 Ag.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘1 DOLLAR’.

Item 17

 

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018and ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘1 DOLLAR’.

Item 18

$10 Gold Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’ and ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘10 DOLLARS’.

Item 19

$10 Silver Coin – Lunar Series: Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

In the background there is the silhouette of a tree. In the foreground there is a representation of a dog standing on rocks and facing right. The design includes 4 lunes containing identical design elements incorporating a representation of a flame. Positioned between the lunes on the right is the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘YEAR OF THE DOG’ and ‘5oz .999 Ag.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’ and ‘AUSTRALIA’, 2 dots and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and ‘10 DOLLARS’.

Item 20

$1 Silver Coin – Seasons Change: Summer

 

Reverse

In the background there is a representation of the sun setting in a flat landscape. The design includes a representation of a gum tree framing the right and top areas of the coin. Positioned under that gum tree there is a kangaroo lying on the ground and facing left and a kangaroo standing. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘ONE DOLLAR’ and ‘1oz .999 Ag.

 

Obverse

Consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage, an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will appear on the obverse side of the coin together with the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II’, ‘AUSTRALIA’ and the inscription, in numerals, of a year. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’.

 

Consultation

No public consultation was undertaken in relation to the currency determination. The effect of this instrument is to determine the denomination, weight, design and dimension of coins to enable the Royal Australian Mint to continue its production of circulating and numismatic coins. The Mint receives public submissions on coin designs and determines appropriate designs in accordance with its Coin Design Policy. The Mint used market based tools to identify interested parties and gauge interest in coin themes.

 

Commencement

The determination commences on the day after it is registered.

 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

This instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. The purpose of the Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017 is to determine the denomination, weight, design and dimension of circulating and numismatic coins. This instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms. This instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues. This determination has been made by the Minister for Small Business, in accordance with paragraph 13(2)(b) and subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965.

Overview

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017 was enacted to address the need for the specification of coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint, as required under the Currency Act 1965. This determination was made by the Minister for Small Business and provides details on the denomination, weight, design, and dimensions of various coins. The Royal Australian Mint, which receives public submissions on coin designs and determines appropriate designs in accordance with its Coin Design Policy, uses market-based tools to identify interested parties and gauge interest in coin themes. The determination ensures that the Mint can continue its production of circulating and numismatic coins and specifies the characteristics of each coin, including their reverse and obverse designs. The purpose of this determination is to facilitate the issuance of coins that reflect significant historical events and cultural icons, thereby contributing to public awareness and education.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017 applies to the specification of coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint under the Currency Act 1965. This determination provides details of the coins' denomination and characteristics, including standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design, and dimensions. The determination applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, with coins issued by the Royal Australian Mint intended for circulation and numismatic purposes. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this particular determination, although the Mint itself has policies governing the designs it selects for circulation. The application of this Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although none are mentioned in this determination.

Key Provisions

Under the Currency Act 1965, and specifically in accordance with paragraph 13(2)(b) and subsection 13A(1) of that Act, the Minister for Small Business has issued the Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017. This determination outlines the specifications for new coins to be produced by the Royal Australian Mint. It includes details about the coins' denominations, their physical characteristics such as composition, weight, allowable variations, design, and dimensions. Each coin type is meticulously described, ensuring that the coins meet the legal requirements for currency. The obligations imposed by this determination on the Royal Australian Mint include adhering strictly to the specifications provided for each coin type. This involves producing coins that meet the exact standards for composition, weight, and design as outlined in the determination. For example, the coins must feature an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, along with inscriptions such as 'ELIZABETH II', 'AUSTRALIA', and the coin's denomination in numerals. The reverse designs must also comply with the detailed descriptions provided, which include intricate depictions relevant to the coin's theme, such as historical events, cultural figures, or literary characters. Failure to comply with the specifications set out in the determination can result in legal consequences. Although the determination does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, the Currency Act 1965 generally imposes strict penalties for producing or distributing coins that do not meet the required standards. Such penalties can include fines or other civil or criminal sanctions as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The severity of the penalties may depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, potentially leading to significant repercussions for the Mint. In summary, the Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 2) 2017 provides a comprehensive framework for the production of new coins in Australia. It mandates precise specifications that the Royal Australian Mint must follow, including the coins' design, composition, and dimensions. Non-compliance with these specifications can lead to severe legal penalties, underscoring the importance of adhering to the determination's requirements.

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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.