The Australian $20 Banknote
| Date of First Issue | 31 October 1994 |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 x 144 mm |
| Current Signatures |
Top - GR Stevens Bottom - KR Henry |
| Front of Banknote Portrait | Mary Reibey (1777–1855) |
| Back of Banknote Portrait | Reverend John Flynn (1880–1951) |
| Designer | Garry Emery |
Design Elements
Front
Portrait of Mary Reibey
Based on the photographic reference from a miniature watercolour on ivory "2 ½ x 2" held at the State Library of New South Wales. It is the only known portrait of Reibey.
Schooner Mercury
Originally part-owned by Thomas Reibey, but later owned by Mary Reibey, the schooner Mercury was built in Sydney in 1805/6. Based on an illustration prepared by Karl Marquardt, which was commissioned by the Reserve Bank in 1993.
Building
George Street (Sydney) building, which was owned by Mary Reibey and comprised four shops and dwellings. Based on an illustration in Joseph Fowles' book entitled Sydney in 1848. Held by the State Library of New South Wales.
Vignette/Window
Vignette based on a nautical compass and an aeronautical compass.
Back
Portrait of Reverend John Flynn
Based on photographic reference from an original photograph held by the National Library of Australia.
Air Ambulance Victory
The Victory flew the first Flying Doctor mission from Cloncurry, Queensland on 17 May 1928 after QANTAS entered into a unique venture with Reverend John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission Service. Based on photographic reference provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Pedal Generator
Interpretation of one of the first pedal-powered generators to operate the transceiver wireless sets on outback stations; produced and developed by Alfred Traeger. Based on photographic reference provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Medical Diagram 'Where Does It Hurt?'
Chart used by outback patients to describe the region of pain or injury by number or letter on the chart, for the doctor's advice over the wireless. Devised by the Sister Lucy Garlick in 1951, it is still in use. Based on reference provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Camel and Rider (Flynn Boundary Rider)
Based on a photograph of the Rev. Col Harland at Oodnadatta, taken in 1919. Provided by the National Library of Australia. Flynn purchased five camels in 1913 for his Patrol Padres, who undertook mission work throughout central Australia.
Security Features
The $20 banknote incorporates the following security features:
- A clear window has a stylised image of a compass printed in it, along with embossing of the number '20' (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.
- 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 'TWENTY 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.
- Each banknote's serial number is printed twice, in black, on the back of the banknote. A different font is used for each 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 denominational patch showing the number '20' 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.
