The Australian $50 Banknote
| Date of First Issue | 4 October 1995 |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 x 151 mm |
| Current Signatures |
Top - GR Stevens Bottom - KR Henry |
| Front of Banknote Portrait | David Unaipon (1872–1967) |
| Back of Banknote Portrait | Edith Cowan (1861–1932) |
| Designer | Brian Sadgrove |
Design Elements
Front
Portrait of David Unaipon
Based on photographic reference from an original photograph taken in 1938, held by the Mortlock Library of South Australiana, State Library of SA.
Diagrams of Unaipon's Patent Application
Based on drawings from Unaipon's patent application number 15,624/09 dated 3 September 1909, for an 'improved mechanical motion device', which was the development of a modified hand piece for sheep shearing.
Manuscript
Extract from Unaipon's handwritten preface to his story 'Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines'. Based on copies of the original manuscript provided by the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.
Mission Church at Point McLeay
View of mission church at Point McLeay as it was in the late 19th century. The church was built in 1869, and Point McLeay (Aboriginal name is 'Raukkan') was, and still is, the community where Unaipon's people live.
Aboriginal Couple
Representing residents of 'Raukkan' in the late 19th century. The illustration is based on a photograph provided to the designer by Jean and Henry Rankine from Point McLeay.
Vignette of Southern Cross
Designer's stylised interpretation of the Southern Cross.
Back
Portrait of Edith Cowan
Based on a photograph taken in 1929, from 'the Biographical Register' of the Parliament of Western Australia. Reference provided by the Battye Library of Perth.
WA Parliament House
The drawing shows the original front, or western elevation, of the WA Parliament House as it was in the 1920s when Edith Cowan was in Parliament. This elevation is now the rear of the building. The illustration is based on photographs taken by the designer, and photographic prints provided by the WA Parliament and Battye Library.
Cowan at Lectern
Representing Cowan's public speaking on matters such as women's rights and children's welfare issues. Based mainly on an early photograph of Cowan, probably taken in the late 1870's.
Foster Mother and State Children
This composite illustration represents a foster mother and children who were wards of the State circa 1920. The illustration is based on reference from several photographs which were provided by the Battye Library in Perth.
Security Features
The $50 banknote incorporates the following security features:
- A clear window has a stylised version of the Southern Cross printed in it, along with embossing of the number '50' (both can be seen from either side of the banknote).
- When the banknote is held to the light, a seven pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the banknote combining perfectly with three points on the other side.
- When the banknote is held to the light also, an image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen under other printing.
- The words 'FIFTY 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.
- The serial number of each banknote is printed twice, one in blue and one in black, on the back of the banknote. A different font is used for each serial number. The alpha prefix of two letters is followed by two numerals representing the year of the production, followed by a further six numerals. Under ultra-violet light, the serial numbers fluoresce.
- Under ultra-violet light, a patch showing the number '50' becomes visible on the back of the banknote.
If you would like to see some examples of these features or find out more about the security features incorporated in our other banknotes, visit our Security Features page.
