Why and what kind of animals are on Australian coins? Before having the national coins in 1966, Australia had many other versions that served trading purposes in specific eras. Let’s dig into this interesting feature to know more.
1. Fascinating History of Australian Coins
1.1. Australian Currency Versions – Animals on Australian Coins
Before having official Australian coins in 1966, other versions existed to facilitate exchange and trade for a specific era.
- Indigenous currency
During this era, the first Australians applied a barter system. They used items such as raw materials, shells, ochres, food, tools, and even stories to exchange and get back things they wanted.
- Early settlers’ currency
When European settlers came to Australia, they brought their promissory notes and tokens. As a result, the currency in this era was a varied collection of international coins.
- The first official currency
In 1813, Spanish dollars were transformed into two Australian coins, the “holey dollar” and the “dump”. In 1825, the British government made the English Pound the sole legal tender in the Australian colonies.
- Gold currency
During the gold rush of the 1800s, people discovered great wealth on Australian soil. Then, they made the gold into ingots and trading tokens. In 1855, to produce sovereign coins from gold, the government decided to build an official mint in Sydney.
- See more: Why is Australia a rich country?
1.2. Decimal Currency – Animals on Australian Coins
Finally, in 1910, nine years after the whole continent became a nation, a national currency was formed. The government raised it on the foundation of the British money system, including pence, shillings, and pounds.
Meanwhile, the concept of a decimal currency system first appeared in 1958. Prime Minister Robert Menzies promised that if he won the election, he would investigate its possibility.
The Australian government wanted unique themes and reversed artistic designs for the national currency. There would be 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-cent denominations. They eventually chose Stuart Devlin to lead this project. Stuart and a small group of chosen people had to develop ideas based on Australian wildlife, with large numeral specific numbers the denomination.
Australia presented the official decimal currency system of dollars and cents on 14 February 1966. And it is still in use today.
2. What Animals Are on Australian Coins?
2.1. Feather-tail Glider – 1 Cent – Coins Of Australia
This is a marsupial that is native to eastern Australia. Locals refer to them as flying squirrels or flying mice. It is the tiniest gliding mammal in the world, and it gets its name from its long feather-shaped tail.
2.2. Frilled Lizard – 2 Cent – Animals on Australian Coins
The frilled-necked lizard is an endemic lizard to southern New Guinea and northern Australia. Its other name is the frilled dragon. This creature prefers humid climates, especially those in tropical savannah woodlands.
2.3. Echidna – 5 Cent – Coins Of Australia
Echidnas (spiny anteaters) are Australia’s only remaining mammals producing eggs. It got its name from the Greek mythological creature Echidna, who was half-snake and half-woman. This animal has characteristics of both reptiles and mammals.
2.4. Lyrebird – 10 Cent – Animals on Australian Coins
The lyrebird, or the falcon, is one of Australia’s most well-known native birds. They are most notable for their exceptional ability to mimic natural and man-made sounds from their surroundings. Furthermore, the male bird’s huge tail, when spread out to flirt, has a striking beauty.
2.5. Platypus – 20 Cent – Coins Of Australia
The platypus is one of the five living species of monotremes. In addition, it is the only mammal that lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
It is also the state animal of New South Wales. In the early 20th century, people hunted platypi for their fur. But now, it’s all safe in its living environment.
2.6. Kangaroo and Emu – 50 Cent – Animals on Australian Coins
There’s not much to explain if kangaroos appear on Australian coins, right? This species is like a signature when it comes to Australia.
In terms of height, the emu is the second-largest living bird after the ostrich. The emu’s range extends across the majority of mainland Australia.
