1966-1984 One Dollar Australia Banknote

The 1966 Australian one-dollar note was introduced as part of the country's transition to decimal currency, replacing the 10-shilling note. It remained in circulation until 1984, when it was replaced by the gold-coloured one-dollar coin.

Design and Features

Obverse (Front)

• Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Regalia of the Order of the Garter.
• Australian Coat of Arms beside the portrait.
• Designed by Gordon Andrews, based on a photograph by Douglas Glass.
• Early issues (1966–1974) bore the inscription "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA", later changed to "AUSTRALIA" from 1974 onward.
• Condition Uncirculated

Reverse (Back)

• Features Aboriginal artwork by David Malangi, a Yolngu artist from Arnhem Land.
• The design depicts the mortuary feast of Gunmirringu, an ancestral hunter, central to the Manharrngu people's mortuary rites.
• Includes rock art motifs, such as a group of four figures from Injalak Mountain in West Arnhem Land.
• The artwork was used without Malangi’s initial consent, but he was later compensated and honoured with a medal.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 140 mm × 70 mm.
• Material: Cotton fibre paper.
• Colour: Dark brown, echoing the tones of the pre-decimal 10-shilling note.
• Security Features:
  • Watermark of Captain James Cook.
  • Metallic security thread, initially placed centrally, later moved to the side from 1976

Historical and Numismatic Notes

• Signatures: Each note bore the signatures of the Governor of the Reserve Bank and the Secretary to the Treasury. These combinations help identify the year and series.
• Star Notes: Special replacement notes marked with a star (*) instead of the final digit in the serial number. These are rare and highly collectible.
• Total Printed: Approximately 1.7 billion notes were issued between 1966 and 1984.