Decimal Currency - 14th of February, 1966.

For those of us who are old enough to remember, it's been 50 years since Decimal Currency was introduced, which was on the 14th of February 1966. You may remember the catchy little jingle to the tune of 'Click goes the shears' that they used to promote the change - you can re-live it on You Tube - click on this link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZTeWLA1LAs

This is the first time I've seen it in colour - as it was before the days of colour TV. You can see another advertisement here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6JawKH2yaQ

The Decimal Currency Board also advertised widely in local papers - these advertisements are from the Pakenham Gazette and were sent to me by Andrew Trotter.

Pakenham Gazette February 18, 1966

(Courtesy of Andrew Trotter) 

The $1.00 note was replaced by  a coin in 1984; the $2.00 note was replaced by  a coin in 1988. If you happen to have a cache of these notes they are still legal tender and can be redeemed for their face value, but some are worth more, so check with a  member of the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association. The $5.00 note was introduced in 1967. There is interesting information about our banknotes on the Reserve Bank website. 

Pakenham Gazette February 11, 1966

(Courtesy of Andrew Trotter)

The one cent coin was  last produced in 1990 and the two cent coin in 1989. They were both withdrawn from circulation beginning February 1992. The round 50c coin was replaced by the 12 sided (or dodecagon) coin in September 1969 as some people confused it with the 20 cent coin. The Royal Mint website has some interesting information about our coins.