Australian two-dollar note

Two Dollars

(Australia)
Value	2 Australian dollars
Width	145 mm
Height	72.5 mm
Security features	metallic security thread, Watermark
Material used	Cotton fibre
Years of printing	1966–1987
Obverse
Design	John Macarthur and Merino sheep
Designer	Gordon Andrews
Design date	1965
Reverse
Design	William Farrer and Wheat
Designer	Gordon Andrews
Design date	1965

The Australian two-dollar note was introduced in 1966 due to decimalisation, to replace the £1 note which had similar green colouration. The note was issued from its introduction in 1966 until its replacement by the two-dollar coin in 1988.

Security features

The paper design included a watermark of Captain James Cook in the white field which was also used in the last issue of pound banknotes. There was a metallic strip, first near the centre of the note, then from 1976 moved to the left side on the obverse of the note.

Replacement by the coin

The two dollar note was replaced by a gold-coloured coin on 14 June 1988 (Monday), due to the longer service life and cost effectiveness of coins. These notes can still be redeemed at face value by the Reserve Bank of Australia and most commercial banks, but numismatics and note collectors may pay a higher price for these notes depending on age and condition.

References

• Ian W. Pitt, ed. (2000). Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values (19th ed.). Chippendale, N.S.W.: Renniks Publications. ISBN 0-9585574-4-6.