- The new fifty dollar banknote will be released into general circulation in October
- It features the faces of David Unaipon and Edith Cowan in fresh detail
- The new series of banknotes boast an array of dynamic security features
Australian currency is undergoing something of a face-lift at the moment, with the fifty dollar banknote the latest denomination to be given a fresh design.
The new $50, which will be released into general circulation in October 2018, still features the visages of David Unaipon, Australia’s first published Aboriginal author, and Edith Cowan, the first female member of Australian parliament, albeit with a slightly updated graphic.
The predominant imagery has been retained for ease of recognition and to minimise disruption to businesses, claims the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The new fifty dollar note still features Aboriginal author David Unaipon and Edith Cowan, Australia’s first female politician
The Reserve Bank of Australia stuck with similar imagery for ease of recognition
As well as their faces, the notes will also feature several design elements that pay tribute to the Australian icons, including shields from Unaipon’s Ngarrindjeri nation, and the gum-nut brooch Cowan made to symbolise entry into Parliament being a ‘hard nut to crack’ for women.
As with the previously introduced five and ten dollar banknotes, the main difference with the modern version is the introduction of innovative new security features. These include a top-to-bottom clear window and dynamic features such as a reversing number and a flying bird.
Each of the new banknotes will feature a unique species of native Australian wattle and bird. The updated fifty features the Acacia humifusa – Unaipon’s ngaitji, or totem – and the Black Swan – the bird of Cowan’s home state of Western Australia.
The main differences with the new banknotes include an array of dynamic security features
Each note features a unique species of native bird and wattle, as well as a tactile feature for the vision-impaired
They also feature a brand new tactile feature, which will allow the vision-impaired to distinguish between the different denominations.
The remaining denominations in the series – the 20 and the 100 dollar notes – will be introduced in subsequent years.
The fifty dollar note is the third Australian banknote to receive an overhaul – the twenty and the hundred will be introduced in years to come