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Click for print-friendly version THE AUSTRALIAN $5 NOTE

 
Image showing the front of the A$5 note featuring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
 
Image showing the back of the A$5 note featuring Old and New Parliament House in foreground and the New Parliament House in the background

Date of First Issue 7 July 1992
24 April 1995 (Recoloured version)
Size 65 x 130 mm
Current Signatures Top - GR Stevens
Bottom - KR Henry
Front of Note Portrait Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Back of Note Scene Old and New Parliament House
Designer Bruce Stewart

Design Elements

Picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIFRONT

Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen's portrait is based on photographs commissioned by the Bank in 1984. The Queen gave approval to the use of this portrait on an Australian note in 1988.

Eucalyptus Leaves

The designer's interpretation of Eucalyptus leaves was mainly based on the species Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma).

Vignette of Gum Flower

The image within the transparent area is a stylised representative of a gum flower.

BACK

Photograph showing Old Parliament House in the foreground and New Parliament House in the backgroundParliament House

The depictions of the Old and New Parliament Houses are based on the designer's interpretation of various architectural drawings and photographs. The Old Parliament House was opened in 1927 and the New Parliament House was opened in 1988.

Landscape Plan for New Parliament House

Based on the Design Development Landscape Plan for the New Parliament House which was provided by the Parliament House Construction Authority.

Geometric Patterns

Based on architectural features of the New Parliament House. The patterns reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room.

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Security Features

The $5 note incorporates the following security features:

  • The clear window which contains a stylised gum flower printed in it (and can be seen from either side).
  • When the note is held up to the light, a seven pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the note combining perfectly with three points on the other.
  • When the note is held up to the light also, an image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen under other printing.
  • The words 'FIVE DOLLARS' are microprinted and can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.
  • Slightly raised printing that can be felt with the fingers is used for the portraits and other major design elements.
  • Intricate multi-coloured fine-line patterns and images appear on each side.
  • Under ultra-violet light, the serial number fluoresces and a square patch becomes visible on the back of the note.

If you would like to see some examples of these features or find out more about the security features incorporated in our other notes, visit our Security Features on Australia's Notes page.

 

 

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© Reserve Bank of Australia, 2001-2008. All rights reserved.

 

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