The Australian $100 Banknote
| Date of First Issue | 15 May 1996 |
| Size | 65 x 158 mm |
| Current Signatures |
Top - GR Stevens Bottom - KR Henry |
| Front of Banknote Portrait | Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) |
| Back of Banknote Portrait | Sir John Monash (1865–1931) |
| Designer | Bruce Stewart |
Design Elements
Front
Portrait of Dame Nellie Melba
Based on a photograph which appeared in a book entitled Melba: A Biography by Agnes G. Murphy, which was first published in 1909.
Her Majesty's Theatre
Based on a photograph of the interior of Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, taken in 1903. A performance at this theatre on 2 September 1911 was a special highlight in Melba's career. The original photograph is held by the State Library of NSW, which provided a print as reference for the designer.
Melba Australian Concert Tour Program (1902)
The 1902 tour was of special significance as it was Melba's first and long awaited return to Australia from her successful overseas performances. The monogram on the program was designed personally by Melba. It has been used by the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, where Melba taught, as decoration on programs for events such as recitals and graduations. The Conservatorium provided a copy of the monogram as reference for the designer. An original concert tour program is held by the State Library of Victoria.
Figure of Melba
Based on a photograph entitled Melba in Private Life, from the book Melba: A Biography by Agnes G. Murphy.
'Melba' Signature
Based on Melba's signature, which appeared on the program used for her farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 25 June 1926.
Lyrebird Vignette
Designer's stylised representation of a lyrebird, which is generally known as a mimic or song bird. This image is printed in the clear window and can be seen from both sides of the banknote.
Back
Portrait of Sir John Monash
Based on a photograph of Monash taken in 1912. The original photograph is held by the National Library of Australia in Canberra as part of the Monash Papers, and a print was provided as reference for the designer.
Rising Sun Badge
Based on reference material supplied by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. This badge, also referred to as the Australian General Service Badge, but more commonly known as the Rising Sun Badge, was adopted as the 'Australian Imperial Force' badge and worn in World War I. Permission to use the badge was provided by the Australian Army.
Cavalry
Designer's interpretation of mounted soldiers in World War I.
Gunners and 18 Pounder Field Gun
Based primarily on a photograph taken in 1917 titled Artillery in Noreuil Valley, showing the batteries of the 2nd Australian Division attacking the Hindenburg Line. The photograph is held by the State Library of NSW, which provided a print as reference for the designer.
Simpson and Donkey
Based on William Wallace Anderson's statue called The Man with the Donkey, which is featured at the shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Permission to use the image of the statue was provided by the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees.
John Monash Signature
Taken from material provided by the State Library of NSW.
Security Features
The security features incorporated on the $100 polymer banknote include:
- A clear window has a stylised image of a lyrebird printed in it, along with embossing of the number '100' (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 ‘ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS’ and the number ‘100’ 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.
- Each banknote's serial number is printed twice, one in brown and one in green, 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 ultraviolet light a patch showing the number '100' 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.
