Decimal Coinage

Australia adopted a decimal currency on the 14th of February 1966. Coins were issued in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and notes were issued in $1, $2, $10, and $20 varieties. The designs for the new coins were completed by Australian artist and metalworker Stuart Devlin. These designs centred around Australia's iconic wildlife (Feathertail Glider, Frill-necked lizard, Echidna, Superb Lyrebird, and the Platypus). The only exception was the 50 cent piece which featured Devlin's interpretation of the Australian Coat of Arms.

The initial circulating set was altered in 1984 and 1988 with the introduction of the One and Two dollar coins respectively. The new one dollar coin was again designed by Devlin and features the famous 'Mob of Roos' design and the two dollar coin was designed by Horst Hahne and features an Aboriginal Elder. The circulating currency was again altered in 1991 when the One and Two cent pieces were retired. Throughout this period the obverse has featured one of three official effigies of HM Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to the standard circulating designs a large variety of commemorative coins have been issued to mark special events, people, or organisations that have impacted Australia.

The Royal Australian Mint has also produced a variety of higher denomination uncirculated coins for collectors. Like their lower denomination commemorative counterparts, these higher denominations often mark special events, people, or organisations. In a number of cases the mint has also released these higher denominations as investment pieces struck in either solid silver or gold.