Australian dollar
Worldwide use:
- Australia
- Republic of Kiribati
- Republic of Nauru
- Tuvalu
Description:
The national currency of the Commonwealth of Australia is the Australian Dollar. In use since 1966, the currency is currently the fifth most traded currency in the World. Sometimes referred to as the "Aussie" this currency is made up of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins as well as $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 banknotes. Australian coins show Queen Elizabeth II on one side.
Australian Dollar banknotes are made from plastic and Australia was the first country in the world to have a whole currency system using this material. The plastic gives them better protection against counterfeiting and they are considered to be cleaner, more robust and easy to recycle.
Origin:
When the Australian Pound was replaced in 1966, many names were suggested for its successor currency including the Royal, the Austral, the Oz, the Boomer, the Roo, the Kanga, the Emu, the Digger, the Quid, the Dinkum and the Ming. Early variations of the currency were used when European settlers arrived in Australian colonies in 1788 when exchangeable commodities were sometimes replaced by money.
Component units:
- Cent (100)
Date introduced:
- 14 February 1966
Central bank:
- Reserve Bank of Australia
Printer:
- Note Printing Australia
Mint:
- Royal Australian Mint