Scarcely Seen Individual Examples of Premium Quality Australian Decimal Type 1 Specimens
Type 1 Specimen Paper Banknotes of the New Decimal Era Now Prized Rarities
Originally produced for inclusion in a special Reserve Bank of Australia book, it is rare to discover individual examples of Type 1 Specimens. They were printed in strictly limited numbers and never meant for general circulation, and are therefore of a very high quality and now considered very scarce. The phasing out of paper money and introduction of Polymer banknotes from 1988, also triggered a surge in demand for early examples.
Type 1 paper Specimen banknotes heralded the arrival of the Decimal era and represented what would be the most intricate Australian note series ever designed up until that time. The paper was basically the same as used prior to decimalisation but the watermarks were changed and a metallic security thread added. This historic period in our currency history only adds to the importance and value of these now celebrated rarities.
Prime Investment Potential
Superior Uncirculated Quality ~ Very Scarce
The Type 1 Specimens formed part of a book designed to mark the changeover to Decimal currency. On rare occasions some individual examples removed from the original albums surface for sale, but soon disappear back into private hands. A notable investment acquisition with promising future prospects!
In the Type 1 Decimal series only 208 books were issued containing two notes of each of the $1, $5, $10 and $20 denominations with the Coombs / Wilson signature combination. While the books are certainly hard to come by, securing individual notes in pristine uncirculated condition can prove an equally difficult challenge, adding to their overall investment appeal.
The books were presented to dignitaries, major banks and libraries in Australia and overseas, and to those involved in the note design and production. The new $1, $2, $10 and $20 notes were issued on 14 February 1966 and the $5 in 1967, $50 in 1973 and $100 in 1984. A coin replaced the $1 in 1984 and $2 in 1988. Compared to the previous pre-decimal note series, the decimal notes were more clearly ‘Australian’, capturing the country’s history and its contribution to the world.
1966 Coombs / Wilson One Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
1966 Coombs / Wilson Ten Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
Cat Ref: RDS1 • Grade: Uncirculated
Cat Ref: RDS4 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce
Very Scarce
Price: $23,000
Liquidation Guarantee
Price: $23,000
Liquidation Guarantee
Limited Supply Ensures Continued Demand
Colourful and Striking Designs
To own one of Australia’s first five dollar decimal notes, let alone a superb uncirculated Specimen only printed in limited numbers, presents a rare opportunity for the discerning investor. The Type 1 Specimen is especially interesting, as like the Type Two, it was not separately numbered and there was no way of identifying individual notes at the time.
Like all the new Decimal banknote denominations, the $20 not only represented a major advance in technology, but was also a testament to the talents of designer of the time Gordon Andrews. The Specimen offered here provides a tremendous record of the introduction of his eye-catching artistry.
Provision was made in the book for the five dollar note to be introduced in 1967. Decimal specimens were overprinted with “SPECIMEN” in red to render them not negotiable. They usually carried the first serial letter prefix for that particular issue and the number 000000. The first five dollar issues featured botanist Sir Joseph Banks and champion of women and promoter of managed immigration to Australia, Caroline Chisholm.
The front of the $20 features a portrait of World War I fighter pilot and Military Cross recipient, Air-Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (1897-1935), pendulum tracings symbolic of wings, and a watermark profile of Captain James Cook. The back displays famous inventor and pioneer of aviation experimentation, Lawrence Hargrave (1850-1915). The first $20 banknote series, featuring the legend “Commonwealth of Australia”, was issued from 1966 to 1974.
1967 Coombs / Randall Five Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
1966 Coombs / Wilson Twenty Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
Cat Ref: RDS3 • Grade: Uncirculated
Cat Ref: RDS5 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce
Very Scarce
Price: $23,500 10
The new decimal banknote series gave more prominent recognition to Aboriginal culture; women; Australia’s unique environment; architecture and the arts; and Australia’s contribution to aeronautics. Except for the one dollar, all denominations continued the trend adopted on pre-decimals by portraying famous Australians and their life’s work. The $10 dollar paper series was issued from 1966 until 1988 when the first polymer ‘plastic’ note was officially introduced.
Liquidation Guarantee
Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
Price: $23,000 • Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
Liquidation Guarantee
11