Historical information

These coins were in use in Australia during the 20th century up to 1965. The coinage was based on the imperial system with the basic currency unit being the pound. In February 1966 decimal coinage was introduced in Australia with the basic currency unit being the dollar (equivalent in value to half a pound or ten shillings).

Significance

This collection of coins shows what coins looked like in Australia before the introduction of decimal currency. It is a very useful display item.

Physical description

This is a collection of coins in a wooden box. The wood is polished and has brass hinges on the lid and a brass lock and keyhole on the box’s side. The lid is lined with blue felt and on the top of the lid is a much-scratched brass shield (intended for inscribing a name). Inside the box there is a clear piece of glass over the coins which are pasted onto a piece of buff-coloured paper. There are 40 coins in the box. The heading is hand written (calligraphy) in black ink and the other information is type-written.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Australian Pre-Decimal Coinage’
‘Edward V11, Threepence & Sixpence, 1910’
‘George V, Halfpenny, Penny, Threepence, Sixpence, Shilling, Florin, 1911-1936’
‘George V1, Halfpenny, Penny, Threepence, Sixpence, Shilling, Florin, 1938-1952’
‘Elizabeth 11, Halfpenny, Penny, Threepence, Sixpence, Shilling, Florin. 1963-1963’