Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 5) 2017

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2017L01089 In force Legislative Instrument

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Explanatory Statement

 

Currency Act 1965

 

Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 5) 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

$20c Copper and Nickel Coin – 25th Anniversary of International Day of People with Disability

 

Reverse

A circle enclosing an ornamental pattern incorporating dots and irregular shapes. Superimposed on that pattern is a stylised representation of a person, dots and irregular shapes. The design includes the inscriptions ‘INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY’, ‘1992-2017’ and ‘20’.

 

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 2

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018

 

Reverse

A central circle containing a stylised representation of a tower, a gymnast, a hurdler and a swimmer in a windmill. That central circle also contains the inscriptions ‘Gold Coast’, ‘2018’ as well as a horizontal line and an ornamental design element. Surrounding that central circle are a series of curved lines and purple, pink, red, yellow and orange coloured irregular patterns positioned over 3 concentric circles. The design includes a circular border containing the inscriptions ‘XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES’ 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 3

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – 2018 Commonwealth Games Team

 

Reverse

A central circle containing a representation of a kangaroo facing right, an emu facing left, a horizontal line, an ornamental design element and the inscriptions ‘A’, ‘U’, ‘S’ and ‘COMMONWEALTH GAMES’. Surrounding that central circle are a series of curved lines and green, yellow and blue coloured irregular patterns positioned over 3 concentric circles. The design includes a circular border containing the inscriptions ‘2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES TEAM’ 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 4

$2 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018 – Celebrate

 

Reverse

A central circle containing a coloured cartoon representation the official mascot of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, a koala. Surrounding that central circle are a series of curved lines and green and blue coloured irregular patterns positioned over 3 concentric circles. The design includes a circular border containing the inscriptions ‘GOLD COAST 2018 – CELEBRATE’ 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 5

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018 – Cycling to Beach Volleyball

 

Reverse

A crescent shape divided into 6 segments and containing a stylised representation of a cyclist riding a bicycle, a person playing table tennis, a person playing badminton, a person playing basketball and a person playing beach volleyball. The design includes the inscriptions ‘XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES’, ‘Gold Coast’, ‘2018’ and ‘ONE 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 6

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018 – Hockey to Powerlifting

 

Reverse

A crescent shape divided into 6 segments and containing a stylised representation of a person playing hockey, a person playing squash, a person diving into water, an athlete running, a boxer in action and a powerlifter performing a bench press. The design includes the inscriptions ‘XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES’, ‘Gold Coast’, ‘2018’ and ‘ONE 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 7

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018 – Lawn Bowls to Wrestling

 

Reverse

A crescent shape divided into 6 segments and containing a stylised representation of a person playing lawn bowls, an artistic gymnast in action, a person playing netball, weightlifter in action, a person competing in a triathlon and 2 wrestlers in action. The design includes the inscriptions ‘XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES’, ‘Gold Coast’, ‘2018’ and ‘ONE 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 8

$1 Copper, Aluminium and Nickel Coin – XII Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast 2018 – Cycling to Shooting

 

Reverse

A crescent shape divided into 6 segments and containing a stylised representation of a cyclist riding a bicycle, a person playing rugby, a rhythmic gymnast in action, a person swimming, a person riding a bicycle on a mountain and a person shooting a gun. The design includes the inscriptions ‘XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES’, ‘Gold Coast’, ‘2018’ and ‘ONE 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 Silver Coin – Australia Zoo Series – Ravi Red Panda

 

Reverse

A representation of a red panda positioned over a tree branch. The design includes the inscriptions ‘ONE DOLLAR’, ‘1 oz .999 Ag’, ‘RAVI’ and ‘AUSTRALIA ZOO’.

 

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

$100 Gold Coin – Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

A representation of a dog appearing to emerge from among rocks on the left of the coin, facing right and looking up at a dog standing on top of a rock and facing left. In the background there is a mountainous landscape. The design includes the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou’ under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘1oz .9999 Au’ and the initials of the designer Adam Ball ‘AB’.

 

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’ and 3 representations of a dot. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘100 DOLLARS’. The obverse design is enclosed by an ornamental border, including representations of the phases of the moon and a stylised representation of a monkey, a rooster, a dog, a pig, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse and a goat. 

Item 11

$50 Gold Coin – Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

A representation of a dog appearing to emerge from among rocks on the left of the coin, facing right and looking up at a dog standing on top of a rock and facing left. In the background there is a mountainous landscape. The design includes the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou’ under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘1/2oz .9999 Au’ and the initials of the designer Adam Ball ‘AB’.

 

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’ and 3 representations of a dot. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘50 DOLLARS’. The obverse design is enclosed by an ornamental border, including representations of the phases of the moon and a stylised representation of a monkey, a rooster, a dog, a pig, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse and a goat. 

Item 12

$25 Gold Coin – Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

A representation of a dog appearing to emerge from among rocks on the left of the coin, facing right and looking up at a dog standing on top of a rock and facing left. In the background there is a mountainous landscape. The design includes the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou’ under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘1/4oz .9999 Au’ and the initials of the designer Adam Ball ‘AB’.

 

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’ and 3 representations of a dot. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘25 DOLLARS’. The obverse design is enclosed by an ornamental border, including representations of the phases of the moon and a stylised representation of a monkey, a rooster, a dog, a pig, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse and a goat. 

Item 13

$15 Gold Coin – Year of the Dog

 

Reverse

A representation of a dog appearing to emerge from among rocks on the left of the coin, facing right and looking up at a dog standing on top of a rock and facing left. In the background there is a mountainous landscape. The design includes the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou’ under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘1/10oz .9999 Au’ and the initials of the designer Adam Ball ‘AB’.

 

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’ and 3 representations of a dot. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription 15 DOLLARS’. The obverse design is enclosed by an ornamental border, including representations of the phases of the moon and a stylised representation of a monkey, a rooster, a dog, a pig, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse and a goat. 

Item 14

$5 Gold Coin – Year of the Dog

 

Re Reverse

A representation of a dog appearing to emerge from among rocks on the left of the coin, facing right and looking up at a dog standing on top of a rock and facing left. In the background there is a mountainous landscape. The design includes the Chinese character pronounced ‘gou’ under the Pinyin system and meaning dog. The design also includes the inscriptions ‘2018’, ‘1/20oz .9999 Au’ and the initials of the designer Adam Ball ‘AB’.

 

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’ and 3 representations of a dot. The obverse design includes the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘5 DOLLARS’. The obverse design is enclosed by an ornamental border, including representations of the phases of the moon and a stylised representation of a monkey, a rooster, a dog, a pig, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse and a goat. 

Item 15

$100 Gold Coin – Kangaroo

 

Reverse

In the background, representations of eucalyptus leaves, a eucalyptus flower and gumnuts. In the foreground, a representation of a kangaroo facing left. The design includes a representation of the Star of Federation and the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2018, ‘1oz .9999 Au’. The design is surrounded by an ornamental border incorporating dots and lines.

 

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’. The design includes 3 representations of a dot, the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘100 DOLLARS’. The design is surrounded by eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts.

Item 16

$50 Gold Coin – Kangaroo

 

Reverse

In the background there is a representations of eucalyptus leaves, a eucalyptus flower and gumnuts. In the foreground there is a representation of a kangaroo facing left. The design includes a representation of the Star of Federation and the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2018, ‘1/2oz .9999 Au’. The design is surrounded by an ornamental border incorporating dots and lines.

 

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’. The design includes 3 representations of a dot, the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘50 DOLLARS’. The design is surrounded by eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts.

Item 17

$25 Gold Coin – Kangaroo

 

Reverse

In the background there is a representations of eucalyptus leaves, a eucalyptus flower and gumnuts. In the foreground there is a representation of a kangaroo facing left. The design includes a representation of the Star of Federation and the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2018, ‘1/4oz .9999 Au’. The design is surrounded by an ornamental border incorporating dots and lines.

 

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’. The design includes 3 representations of a dot, the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘25 DOLLARS’. The design is surrounded by eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts.

Item 18

$15 Gold Coin – Kangaroo

 

Reverse

In the background there is a representations of eucalyptus leaves, a eucalyptus flower and gumnuts. In the foreground there is a representation of a kangaroo facing left. The design includes a representation of the Star of Federation and the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2018, ‘1/10oz .9999 Au’. The design is surrounded by an ornamental border incorporating dots and lines.

 

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’. The design includes 3 representations of a dot, the initials of the designer Ian Rank-Broadley ‘IRB’ and Arabic numerals for the amount, in dollars, of the denomination of the coin, followed by the inscription ‘15 DOLLARS’. The design is surrounded by eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts.

Item 19

$1 Silver Coloured Coin – Sydney New Year’s Eve

 

Reverse

In the upper sector there is an irregular shape containing a coloured representation of a fireworks display in the night sky. Below that irregular shape is a line drawing of a city landscape including buildings and a stylised representation of trees. In the foreground there is a representation of the Sydney Opera House and a part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The design includes a stylised representation of a body of water and the inscription ‘SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE’ and ‘1/2 oz .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’.

 

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. 5) 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. 5) 2017 was enacted under the authority of the Currency Act 1965, with the purpose of specifying the characteristics of coins proposed for issuance by the Royal Australian Mint. This determination is crucial for maintaining the standard and design of Australian currency, ensuring its continued use and acceptance as a medium of exchange. The determination was made by the Minister for Small Business and outlines the denomination, composition, weight, design, and dimensions of various coins, including commemorative and numismatic issues. It does not engage any of the rights or freedoms recognised or declared in the international human rights instruments, thus being compatible with human rights. The enactment of this determination addresses the need for precise specifications to be met for legal tender, facilitating the minting process and maintaining the integrity of Australia’s currency.

Scope and Application

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 5) 2017 applies to the Royal Australian Mint, which is responsible for the production of circulating and numismatic coins in Australia. The determination specifies the details of the coins proposed to be issued by the Mint, including their denomination, characteristics, design and dimensions, as required by the Currency Act 1965. This Commonwealth legislation governs the issuance of Australian currency and applies to the Mint as an entity producing legal tender. The determination outlines the specific designs and specifications for a range of commemorative and circulating coins, but does not impose any exclusions, exemptions or thresholds. The application of the determination is restricted to the coins listed within its schedule, and its effect is to enable the Mint to proceed with production of these coins. Subordinate instruments may extend or further specify the application of the determination, but none are cited here. Overall, the determination provides the necessary details to allow the Mint to legally produce and issue the specified coins under the authority granted by the Currency Act.

Key Provisions

The Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination (No. 5) 2017, made under the authority of the Currency Act 1965, specifies the details of the coins proposed to be issued by the Royal Australian Mint. The determination outlines the denomination, standard composition, standard weight, allowable variation from standard weight, design, and dimensions of each coin (sections 13(2)(b), 13A(1)). This includes coins commemorating significant events such as the 25th anniversary of the International Day of People with Disability, the XII Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast in 2018, and the Year of the Dog in 2018, as well as coins featuring Australian fauna like the red panda from Australia Zoo and the kangaroo. The obligations imposed by this determination require the Royal Australian Mint to adhere strictly to the specifications provided. This includes ensuring that each coin meets the outlined characteristics, such as the correct composition, weight, and design, which must be consistent with all Australian legal tender coinage. The Mint is also responsible for ensuring that the obverse of each coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "AUSTRALIA", and the year of minting, as well as the initials of the designer, Ian Rank-Broadley. Additionally, the Mint must ensure that the reverse designs are as specified, commemorating the relevant event or theme and including any additional inscriptions and designs as outlined. Breaches of the specifications outlined in this determination may have legal implications. While the determination itself does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, failure to adhere to the standards set by the Currency Act 1965 could result in legal action under the Act. This might include criminal penalties for knowingly issuing coins that do not meet the required specifications, as well as civil penalties for any financial losses incurred as a result of non-compliance. The specific penalties would be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Currency Act 1965.

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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.