The Reserve Bank of Australia has issued the latest banknote denomination from its Next Generation Banknote series, the $50 note.
The $50 banknote is the third denomination to be circulated from the Next Generation Banknote Series, following the $5 issued in September 2016 and the $10 a year later.
The $50 is the most widely circulated banknote denomination, accounting for almost half of all banknotes in circulation. The denomination, worth US $35.50, is the most popular denomination withdrawn from ATMs in the country.
Design and Security Features
The $50 continues to use the same basic design elements from the previous series to aid the public’s acceptance and understanding of the new notes.
This includes portraits of Aboriginal writer and inventor, David Unaipon, shown on the front of the note, and Australia’s first female member of parliament, Edith Cowan, shown on the reverse. Both were campaigners for social change and elements of their work are featured in several design elements on the banknote.
Key security features of the note are consistent with those featured on the $5 and $10, including a holographic foil, presumed to be Kinegram® ZERO.ZERO, and SPARK® optically variable ink. It also includes a clear window and tactile marks aimed at the visually impaired consisting of four raised dots, enabling the user to identify the note’s denomination.
See the security feature in more detail at the Reserve Bank of Australia website.
The Next Generation Banknote series is printed on Guardian® substrate.
Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe, explained
“We were keen for the new $5 and $10 to be well accepted before we launched the most popular note, the $50. This has involved working closely with businesses to assist cash handlers and cash-handling machines to identify and use the notes, which will help minimise disruption to people and businesses.”
The next denomination to be circulated from the Next Generation Banknote series is the $20, expected in 2019, followed by the $100 in 2020.
Read the Reserve Bank of Australia press release.
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