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Fascinating Story Behind Kinds of Animals on Australian Coins

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
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
holey-dollar

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.

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.

animals-on-australian-coins

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

australian-animals-on-coins

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

coins-of-australia

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

5-Cent-in-australia
5-Cent-in-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

Lyrebird-10-Cent

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

australian-coins-animals

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

animals-on-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.

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Maris Lopez
Maris Lopezhttp:////my-lifestyle.co
Hey there! I'm Maris, an American girl who is passionate about adventure, the outdoors and all things travel!
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