$1 1966 - 1982 Detailed Report...

• Denomination: $1
   
• Year of Issue: 1966 (First decimal currency series)
   
• Signatories: H.C. Coombs (Governor of the Reserve Bank), Roland Wilson (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Legal Tender: Yes (withdrawn 1984)
   
• Dimensions: 140 mm x 70 mm
   
• Printer: Note Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of Australia
   

• Obverse (Front):
   
  • Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (based on a 1960 portrait by Douglas Glass, adapted by Gordon Andrews)
     
  • Background motif of Aboriginal art elements (derived from Arnhem Land bark paintings)
     
• Reverse (Back):
   
  • Depicts Aboriginal ceremonial figure Gwoya Tjungurrayi (One Pound Jimmy)
     
  • Based on a photograph by Roy Dunstan, widely used as an iconic symbol of Aboriginal Australia
     
  • Aboriginal art and shield motifs
     
• Designer: Gordon Andrews (overall note design)
   

• Serial Number Prefixes: AAA – YYY (First Prefix: AAA; Last Prefix: YYY)
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (visible when held to light)
   
• Paper Type: Cotton-based paper with metallic security thread
   

• Printed Quantity: Estimated ~150 million notes
   
• Collectability: High for first-prefix (AAA) and last-prefix (YYY); standard prefixes are common
   
• Uncirculated Condition Rarity: Scarcer, particularly crisp and original notes with strong embossing
   

• Standard Uncirculated (mid prefix): AUD $60 – $120
   
• First Prefix (AAA) UNC: AUD $400 – $900
   
• Last Prefix (YYY) UNC: AUD $400 – $900
   
• Star Replacement Notes UNC: AUD $3,000 – $6,000 (extremely scarce)
   

• Crisp paper with deep embossing
   
• Intact metallic thread (not broken or lifted)
   
• Watermark clear and centered
   
• No folds, pinholes, or handling marks
   
• Fresh, original paper sheen

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AttributeDetailsDenomination$1 Australian DollarIssue Year1968 (First prefix in circulation late 1967–1968)SignatoriesH.C. Coombs (Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia)
Roland Wilson Randall (Secretary to the Treasury)Catalogue ReferenceRenniks R71 (First Prefix AAA)
R72 (General Issue)Dimensions140 mm x 70 mmPrinterNote Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of AustraliaDesign ThemeFront: Queen Elizabeth II (portrait by Douglas Glass)
Back: Aboriginal bark painting by David MalangiMaterialPaper (100% cotton fibre)WatermarkCaptain James Cook (left side of note)Security FeaturesWatermark
Metallic security thread (centre-left embedded thread)  

Variant TypeScarcityCollector Premium (UNC)First Prefix (AAA)Scarce (High demand)AU$600 – AU$1,200+General Circulation (any other prefix)CommonAU$60 – AU$120 

Note: Prices fluctuate based on centering, crispness, and absence of handling marks.

• AAA first prefix uncirculated examples continue to command strong auction interest.
   
• Solid serial numbers, radar numbers, and consecutive runs attract premiums.
   
• Graded notes (e.g., PCGS, PMG) with high grades (66–68 EPQ/Gem Unc) show increasing investor demand.
   

• First $1 note featuring Coombs/Randall signatures (shortest-serving combo, 1966–1968).
   
• Celebrated reverse art by David Malangi was later featured on international numismatic exhibitions — acknowledged as a landmark in recognition of Aboriginal art.
   

✅ Crisp, flat paper with no folds/creases
✅ Strong embossing of serial numbers
✅ Even ink tone and margins
✅ Clear, centered watermark (Captain Cook)
✅ Intact security thread

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• Denomination: $1
   
• Year of Issue: 1969 (First issued 20 February 1969)
   
• Signatories: R.J. Randall (Governor), G.J. Phillips (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R72 | Pick 38a
   

• Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II (based on a 1964 portrait by Douglas Glass, adapted by artist Gordon Andrews)
   
• Reverse: Aboriginal art — a central motif from the Aboriginal bark painting by artist David Malangi representing the mortuary feast of the ancestral hunter Gunmirringu
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   
• Printer: Note Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• Size: 140 mm x 70 mm
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (left side)
   
• Security Features: Watermark only (no security thread in this era)
   

• Prefix Range: AAA – HNZ
   
• Type: General issue, not a commemorative
   
• Serial Number Format: 3-letter / 6-digit (e.g., AAA 000000)
   

• Rarity: Common (in circulated grades), Scarce (in Uncirculated / pristine UNC)
   
• Market Value (Uncirculated): AUD $125 – $250 (depending on prefix, centering, and crispness)
   
• Premium Factors:
   
  • First & last prefixes (e.g., AAA or HNZ) — higher value
     
  • Exceptional centering and no handling marks
     
  • Consecutive runs — substantial premium
     

• First Phillips/Randall signature combination on $1 notes
   
• Last $1 paper notes before decimalisation designs evolved; replaced by polymer notes in 1988 (although paper $1 ceased production in 1984)
   
• Strong demand due to iconic Queen Elizabeth II portrait and culturally significant Aboriginal artwork
   

• PMG 66 EPQ example sold for AUD $195 (Jan 2025, Noble Numismatics)
   
• Consecutive pair UNC sold for AUD $460 (Feb 2025, Roxbury’s Auction

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• Denomination: $1
   
• Year of Issue: 1972
   
• Signatories: J.G. Phillips (Governor, Reserve Bank) / F.H. Wheeler (Secretary, Treasury)
   
• Prefix Range: AAA to DNE
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R77
   
• Legal Tender: Yes (demonetised in 1992 but still redeemable at face value at RBA)
   

FrontBackPortrait of Queen Elizabeth II (after a portrait by Pietro Annigoni, 1956)Aboriginal youth with ceremonial headdress (after a drawing by artist David Malangi)Coat of Arms of AustraliaAboriginal rock art motifsText: "Commonwealth of Australia"No denomination numerals on reverseSignatures lower centreFramed border pattern (ochre/brown) 

• Main Colour: Olive green and brown
   
• Dimensions: 140 mm × 70 mm
   
• Printer: Note Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
   
• Security Features:
   
  • Watermark: Captain James Cook (left field)
     
  • Metallic security thread (vertical, right of portrait)
     

• Part of the second series of decimal $1 notes issued (Phillips/Wheeler replaced Phillips/Randall pairing).
   
• Produced during an era of high inflation and rising costs — the note circulated widely and replacements were frequent.
   
• Phillips/Wheeler notes are notably less scarce than earlier signatory combinations (especially Phillips/Randall).
   

GradeEstimated Market Value (AUD)Uncirculated (UNC)$100 – $140Choice UNC (ChUNC)$140 – $180Gem UNC (PMG 65-66 EPQ)$200 – $275 

• Star/Replacement notes (ZAA prefixes): Rare and worth significantly more ($400–$1000+ depending on grade).
   
• First/Last Prefixes (AAA, DNE): Modest premium (~$20–40 higher in UNC)
   

• Readily available in Uncirculated condition due to high print volume.
   
• Investment appeal: Moderate — collectors seek pristine examples with crisp paper, deep colour, and strong embossing.
   
• Grading certification (PCGS/PMG) can enhance value, particularly in Gem grades.
   
• Stronger demand from complete signature set collectors and pre-polymer era enthusiasts.

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Basic Details

• Denomination: $1
   
• Issue Year: 1974
   
• Signatories: J.G. Phillips (Governor) / F.H. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Prefix Range: AAA – DGV (Full general issue range; specific prefixes can affect rarity/value)
   

Design

• Obverse (Front): Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, wearing Queen Adelaide’s diamond brooch and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee necklace. Background pattern derived from Aboriginal bark painting by David Malangi (Arnhem Land).
   
• Reverse (Back): Depiction of Aboriginal bark painting imagery, based on David Malangi’s artwork narrating the mortuary rites of the ancestral hunter Gurrmirringu. Australian Coat of Arms also featured.
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews (overall design)
   

Printing and Paper

• Printer: Note Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
   
• Paper Type: Cotton-based with metallic security thread (central thread visible when held to light)
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (visible when held to light)
   

Condition (UNC)

• Uncirculated (UNC): No folds, no handling marks, crisp paper, sharp corners, original sheen
   

Rarity and Collectibility

• General Availability: Common in lower grades, less common in Uncirculated condition
   
• Premium Prefixes (not exhaustive): First (AAA) and Last (DGV) prefixes often fetch higher premiums. Special repeating or radar serial numbers (e.g., 123321) add value.
   

Estimated Market Value (as of 2025)

• Typical UNC Range: AUD $25 – $60 (common prefixes)
   
• First/Last Prefix UNC Range: AUD $70 – $150 (depending on demand and note quality)
   

Notable Features

• Historical Significance: First Australian note to prominently feature Aboriginal art
   
• Cultural Importance: David Malangi’s bark painting acknowledgment marked an early recognition of Indigenous intellectual property rights in Australia

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• Denomination: $1
   
• Issuing Authority: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
   
• Series: 1976
   
• Signatories: R.J. Knight (Governor) / J.G. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   

• Obverse (Front): Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (based on a painting by Pietro Annigoni, 1955)
   
• Reverse (Back): Aboriginal bark painting imagery — designs inspired by works of David Malangi Daymirringu (Arnhem Land artist)
   
• Primary Colours: Brown, yellow, ochre tones
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (portrait)
   
• Size: 140 mm × 70 mm
   
• Material: Paper (pre-polymer era)
   

• Prefix Range: AAA – ZNA (last issued $1 Knight/Wheeler series)
   
• Two Types of Serial Numbers:
   
  • Fraser Type: Gothic font
     
  • OCR-B Type (scarcer; Optical Character Recognition typeface)
     

• Watermark: Clear portrait of Captain Cook
   
• Metallic Security Thread: Vertical thread (embedded, not windowed)
   

• Introduction Date: 1976
   
• Last Year of Issue: 1979 (succeeded by Johnston/Stone notes)
   
• Historical Note: Final $1 paper note series before Australia's transition to polymer notes (though $1 polymer was never issued; replaced by $1 coin in 1984)
   

(For Uncirculated / UNC condition — crisp, no folds or handling marks)

• Standard UNC Value: AUD $30–$50
   
• Scarcer Prefixes / OCR-B Serial UNC: AUD $50–$100+
   
• First Prefix AAA UNC: AUD $80–$150
   
• Star Replacement Notes UNC: AUD $600–$1,500+ (extremely rare)
   

• Popular for:
   
  • Final paper $1 series
     
  • Iconic Queen Elizabeth II portrait
     
  • Early Aboriginal art representation
     
• Desirability increases with:
   
  • First/Last prefixes
     
  • Star notes
     
  • Serial type (OCR-B rarer)
     
  • Flawless centering and strong embossing

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FeatureDescriptionDenomination$1Year of Issue1979SignatoriesH.C. (Harry) Knight / John StoneCatalogue ReferenceR77 (Renniks); P-39a (Pick)PrinterNote Printing Australia (NPA), MelbourneLegal Tender Period1966–1984 (withdrawn progressively after $1 coin introduced in 1984)  

ObverseReversePortrait of Queen Elizabeth II, after a drawing by Douglas Glass, based on a photograph by Anthony BuckleyDepicts Aboriginal bark painting by artist David Malangi Daymirringu (Arnhem Land)Designer: Gordon Andrews (entire series 1966–1984)Theme: Aboriginal art and traditional hunting scene  

FeatureSpecificationDimensions140 mm x 70 mmMaterialPaper (Cotton-based)WatermarkCaptain James Cook (appears in white oval at left)Security FeaturesWatermark, fine-line printing, micro-letteringSerial NumbersHorizontal pairs; black ink  

VarietyNotesCommonGeneral circulation, no special varietiesFirst PrefixAA79 (higher collector premium)Last PrefixDPF (scarcer, also higher premium)Star NoteZAF/ZAG with asterisk/star replacement (very rare, highly sought after)  

GradeRetail Value (AUD)Uncirculated (UNC)$18–$30 (typical prefixes)First/Last Prefix UNC$30–$60Star Note UNC$800–$2,000+ (depending on condition/serial) 

Note: Prices vary based on centering, crispness, serial alignment and whether paper shows handling marks.
 

• High for beginner and intermediate collectors due to low entry price.
   
• Interest factors: Short-lived Knight/Stone signature pair (1979–1982), appealing design, and iconic status as Australia’s final paper $1 note series before the coin transition.

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• Denomination: $1
   
• Issuing Authority: Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• Series Year: 1982
   
• Signatories: H. M. (Harry) Johnston (Governor) / J. Stone (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R78
   

• Obverse (Front):
  – Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (after a painting by Pietro Annigoni, 1955)
  – Australian Coat of Arms
  – Predominant colour: Brown/golden ochre tones
   
• Reverse (Back):
  – Depiction of Aboriginal artwork and kangaroo figures, derived from bark paintings by artist David Malangi
  – Theme: Commemoration of Indigenous Australian culture
   

• Watermark: Captain James Cook (visible when held to light)
   
• Paper Type: Cotton fibre
   

• Size: 140 mm x 70 mm
   

• First issued: 1982
   
• Withdrawn: 1984 (replaced by the $1 coin introduced in May 1984)
   
• Estimated Print Quantity: ~140 million notes across Johnston/Stone $1 issues (1982–1984) — precise numbers by year not publicly broken down
   

• Uncirculated (UNC): AU$25–AU$50 (depending on serial number, prefix, and note condition)
   
• Key prefixes (premium): Notes with first and last prefixes in the series (if confirmed) command higher prices — commonly sought prefixes include AAA (first) and ZZZ (last)
   

• Condition critical: Full crispness, no folds, no handling marks — GEM UNC examples command premiums
   
• Star Replacement Notes: These are highly collectible and rare (value can exceed AU$200+ if verified)
   
• Serial Number Premiums: Radar, repeater, or low serial numbers also attract collectors