Historical information

In value the penny was the second smallest denominator in the old imperial currency in Australia in the mid 20th century (halfpenny was the smallest). Decimal currency was introduced in 1966 and the two cent coin was the second lowest in value. It was withdrawn from circulation in 1992 but it is still legal tender in some circumstances. This coin was minted in the first year of decimal currency in Australia. The dollar note was introduced in 1966 and it in turn was replaced in 1984 by the dollar coin.

Significance

These coins are kept as mementoes of notes and coins no longer in use and are therefore of historical interest.

Physical description

000496.1 Australian decimal currency bank note: $1 note
000496.2 Australian decimal currency coin: 2c
000496.3 Australian pre-decimal currency coin: 1 penny
The one dollar notes are orange, yellow, black and white in colour. They have images of Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Australian Coat of Arms on one side and aboriginal motifs on the other side. The metal two cent coin has the Queen’s head on one side and an image of a frilled lizard on the other. The metal penny has the Queen’s head on one side and a kangaroo image on the other.

Inscriptions & markings

One dollar note- numbers CJA 061539 and CEU 647543
Two cent coin: Elizabeth 11, Australia 1966
One penny: Australia, Penny, 1962