Counterfeit Currency

Polymer banknotes were first issued for general release in 1992 as $5.00 notes. A commemorative $10 polymer note was issued in January 1988. Since then polymer banknotes have been replacing the older paper currency although paper currency is still legal tender. Polymer banknotes were introduced because they offer greater security and are harder to counterfeit.

(Source: Reserve Bank of Australia)

Security Features

Polymer banknote security features include:

• Plastic substrate
• Intaglio printing
• Clear window with design
• Micro-printing
• Australian Coat of Arms
• Seven pointed star
• In-built ultra violet security features

Identifying counterfeit currency

Business owners should familiarise themselves with these features to reduce the risk of fraud. Read more about these features in the document titled identifying counterfeit currency (PDF, 817 KB).

Portraits on Australian polymer banknotes

• $5 - HRH Queen Elizabeth II / Parliament House
• $5 - Sir Henry Parkes/ Catherine Helen Spence
• $10 - Banjo Patterson/ Dame Mary Gilmore
• $20 - Mary Reibey/ Rev John Flynn
• $50 - David Unaipon/ Edith Cowan
• $100 - Dame Nellie Melba/ Sir John Monash