$2 1966 - 1985 Detailed Report...

• Denomination: $2
   
• First Issued: 14 February 1966 (Decimal Currency Day)
   
• Signatories: H.C. Coombs (Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia) & Roland Wilson (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R81 (First Prefix), R82 (Common Prefixes)
   
• Obverse Design: John Macarthur & Merino ram (symbol of wool industry)
   
• Reverse Design: William Farrer & wheat (symbol of wheat industry)
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm x 72.5 mm
   
• Printer: Note Printing Branch (now Note Printing Australia)
   
• Serial Prefix Range:
   
  • First Prefix: FAA
     
  • Last Prefix: FIH
     

• Metallic security thread (originally near centre)
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (in clear windowed watermark area)
   
• Intaglio printing for raised tactile feel
   

• First Prefix FAA & Last Prefix FIH highly sought after
   
• Star Notes (Replacement Notes) (ZFA-ZFJ range) extremely rare
   
• Crisp UNC examples difficult to source, especially with perfect margins and full colour
   
• First decimal $2 banknote — strong historical interest
   

• Common Prefix UNC: AUD $70 – $150
   
• First Prefix FAA UNC: AUD $500 – $800
   
• Last Prefix FIH UNC: AUD $400 – $700
   
• Star Note UNC: AUD $3,500 – $6,000+ (depending on prefix and condition)
   

Values are indicative; premium for superior centring, colour, and embossing.
 

• Full crispness, no folds/creases
   
• Sharp corners, no handling marks
   
• Strong, bright colours
   
• Embossed intaglio print clearly felt
   

• Withdrawn progressively after 1988 (superseded by $2 coin)
   
• Gordon Andrews’ design was part of a bold, modernist decimal series
   
• Among the most popular series for Australian decimal banknote collectors

• Denomination: $2
   
• Issuer: Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• First Issued: 1967
   
• Signatories: H.C. Coombs (Governor) / R.J. Randall (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue References:
  – Renniks Number: R83
  – Pick Number: P-36b
   

• Obverse (Front):
  – Portrait of John Macarthur, pioneer of the Australian wool industry
  – Merino ram’s head (symbolising wool production)
  – Signatures: Coombs / Randall (bottom centre)
   
• Reverse (Back):
  – Portrait of William Farrer, developer of rust-resistant wheat
  – Heads of wheat (representing wheat industry)
   
• Main Colours: Green/yellow (distinctive olive green)
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm x 72 mm
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (right side when held to light)
   
• Security Features:
  – Watermark
  – Metallic security thread (originally embedded, later windowed in later series but not in this issue)
   

• General Prefix Range: FAA to FRZ
   
• First Prefix: FAA
   
• Last Prefix: FRZ
   
• Common Prefix: Typically around FKA to FQZ
   
• Paper Type: Paper (not polymer; polymer introduced in 1988)
   

• Grading Definition:
  – No folds, creases, pinholes or handling marks
  – Original crispness and sheen intact
  – Sharp corners, no rounding or fraying
   
• Visual Appeal: Brilliant colours and full embossing visible
   

• Retail Market (Australia-based dealers & auctions):
  – Uncirculated (UNC): AUD $450 – $800 (depending on prefix and centering)
  – First Prefix FAA UNC: AUD $700 – $1,200
  – *Star Note (Replacement ): Extremely rare, AUD $4,000 – $9,000+
   
• Key Factors Affecting Price:
  – First or last prefix
  – Star note rarity
  – Centring, print quality, registration
  – Provenance (if auctioned previously)
   

• High-grade Coombs/Randall $2 notes remain in-demand, particularly first prefix FAA and well-centred UNC examples.
   
• Star notes are scarce and command significant premiums.
   
• Investment potential remains steady due to the note’s short signature lifespan (1966–1968) and historical context.

• Denomination: $2
   
• Issuer: Commonwealth of Australia
   
• Series Year: 1968
   
• Signatories: R.J. Randall (Governor), G.J. Phillips (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Prefix Range: ZAA – ZFU
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R83
   
• Legal Tender Status: Withdrawn (ceased 1996, replaced by $2 coin in 1988)
   

• Portrait: John Macarthur (Pioneer of Australian wool industry)
   
• Imagery: Merino sheep, wool bales, and scenes of early Australian wool export
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   
• Security Features:
   
  • Watermark of Captain James Cook (left field)
     
  • Black serial numbers (top & bottom left)
     
  • Metallic security thread (left of portrait)
     

• Portrait: William Farrer (Agricultural scientist, wheat breeder)
   
• Imagery: Wheat stalks, sheaves, and early Australian wheat harvest scenes
   

• Material: Cotton fibre paper
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm x 72 mm
   
• Print Method: Intaglio (raised ink printing)
   

• Mintage Estimate: ~80–100 million
   
• Rarity (Uncirculated): Moderate – easily obtainable but premium for crisp notes
   
• First Prefix (ZAA): Premium collectible
   
• Last Prefix (ZFU): Premium collectible
   
• Star Notes: None issued in this series (replacement notes used general prefixes)
   

• Standard Uncirculated: AUD $80 – $140
   
• First/Last Prefix UNC: AUD $200 – $400
   
• Exceptional UNC (Gem UNC, EPQ 66+): AUD $250 – $400+ (graded examples command higher)
   

• Sharp print clarity — no ink bleed
   
• Intact metallic thread (no lifting or breaks)
   
• Clean margins — uniform borders
   
• No folds, handling marks, or discoloration
   
• Embossed intaglio ink detectable by touch
   

• Steady demand from collectors of decimal transition era notes (post-1966)
   
• Gradual value growth for GEM UNC & first/last prefix notes
   
• Graded notes (PCGS/PMG) increasingly popular for preserving top-grade examples

Denomination: $2
Issuing Authority: Commonwealth of Australia
Series Date: 1972
Signatories: J.G. Phillips (Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia) & F.H. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
Catalogue Reference: Renniks R.83
First Issued: 20 October 1972
Last Issued: 1974
Withdrawn: 1988 (replaced by $2 coin)

• Obverse:
  Portrait of John Macarthur, pioneer of the Australian wool industry, and a Merino ram
  Engraver: Frank Manley (based on artwork by Norman Carter)
  Primary colours: Emerald green, dark green
   
• Reverse:
  Depiction of William Farrer, agriculturalist known for developing rust-resistant wheat
  Engraver: Frank Manley (based on artwork by Norman Carter)
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm x 72 mm
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (located in the white field)
   
• Security Features:
  — Metal security thread (embedded vertically near centre)
  — Watermark of Captain Cook
   
• Paper Type: 100% cotton fibre (high-grade banknote paper)
   

• General issue: ZAA – ZFX
   
• Last prefix (most collectible within this series): ZFX
   
• Common serial number fonts: Gothic numerals
   
• Serial number location: Front, lower-left and upper-right corners (black ink)
   

• Mintage: Estimated 93 million (across all $2 1972 notes; no precise figures for Phillips/Wheeler subset alone)
   
• Current Market Value (UNC):
  — Standard prefixes: AUD $140 – $200
  — First/Last prefix (ZAA, ZFX): AUD $200 – $350+
  — Consecutive pairs/sets: Premium of 20–40%
  — Star Replacement notes (*ZAA – *ZFX): Very rare; AUD $2,000+ in UNC
   
• Grading (Uncirculated):
  — Crisp, clean, no folds/creases
  — Sharp corners, original sheen (paper lustre)
   

• 1972 Phillips/Wheeler $2 is sought after due to its lower print run relative to earlier signatures (Coombs/Randall).
   
• Desirable for type collectors, especially in pristine UNC or consecutive runs.
   
• Star Replacement notes and ZFX last prefix examples command highest premiums.
   
• No commemorative or special issue for this year; purely general circulation.

• Denomination: $2
   
• Year of Issue: 1974
   
• Signatories: John R. Phillips (Governor), F.H. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Serial Prefix Range: KCQ to KGV
   
• Catalogue References: Renniks R83 (Australia), McDonald 122
   

• Obverse (Front)
   
  • Portrait: John Macarthur (wool industry pioneer)
     
  • Vignette: Merino sheep & early pastoral scene
     
  • Text: "Commonwealth of Australia"
     
• Reverse (Back)
   
  • Portrait: William Farrer (wheat industry pioneer)
     
  • Vignette: Wheat fields & research documents
     
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm × 72 mm
   
• Primary Colours: Green, yellow, brown
   

• Title: Commonwealth of Australia (pre-1974 design, before the 1974–75 transition to “Australia” title notes)
   
• Serial Number Type: OCR-B font, black ink
   
• Paper: 100% cotton fibre (no polymer in use yet)
   
• Security Features:
   
  • Metallic security thread (vertical, embedded)
     
  • Watermark of Captain James Cook (right side)
     

• Crisp, flat paper with full original sheen
   
• Sharp corners with no bends, folds, handling marks, or pinholes
   
• Bright, vibrant ink with full print registration
   

• Estimated Value (UNC): AUD $55–$90
   
• Premium Factors:
   
  • First/Last prefixes (KCQ, KGV) → ~10–20% higher
     
  • Solid, radar, or repeater serial numbers → significantly higher
     
  • Consecutive pairs/sets → higher desirability
     

• Strong collector interest in pre-decimal and early decimal notes
   
• Increasing demand for high-grade Uncirculated examples, with registry-quality notes commanding premiums
   
• Market buoyed by nostalgia and historical significance of the $2 note (withdrawn in 1988)

• Denomination: $2
   
• Year of Issue: 1976
   
• Signatories: R.A. Knight (Governor) / J.G. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks R.84
   
• Legal Tender Period: Issued 1976–1983 (withdrawn post-1988 with the $2 coin introduction)
   

• Obverse:
  – Portrait of John Macarthur (pioneer of the Australian wool industry)
  – Design features fine line engraving, wool bale imagery, merino sheep, and geometric patterns
   
• Reverse:
  – Portrait of William Farrer (developer of rust-resistant wheat varieties)
  – Features include wheat imagery, agricultural scenes, and crosshatched patterns
   

• Watermark: Captain James Cook (visible under light)
   
• Security Thread: Embedded metallic strip (windowed in later polymer notes but fully embedded here)
   
• Microprinting: Fine line engraving (anti-counterfeiting measure)
   

• 100% cotton fibre (produces distinct texture, durability)
   

• General range: GAA to GHR (including first and last prefix premiums)
   
• First Prefix: GAA
   
• Last Prefix: GHR
   

• Standard Uncirculated (any common prefix): AUD $30–$45
   
• First/Last Prefix Premiums: AUD $80–$200+ (depending on demand and grade specifics)
   
• Consecutive Pairs/Run: Higher premiums (~10–30% above single note value)
   
• Star Replacement Notes: Very rare, AUD $500–$2,000 (depending on condition)
   

• Crisp paper, no folds/creases
   
• Sharp corners, original embossing intact
   
• Bright, unfaded colours
   

• Strong domestic demand from Australian pre-decimal & decimal collectors
   
• Values stable with slow upward trend; first/last prefixes and star notes most sought after
   
• Supply plentiful for common prefixes in UNC, but dwindling for premium varieties

• Issuer: Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• Denomination: $2
   
• Year of Issue: 1979
   
• Signatories: H.C. (Harry) Knight (Governor), J.H. (John) Stone (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue Reference: R86 (Renniks Australian Banknote Values, 31st Ed.)
   

• Obverse (Front): Portrait of John Macarthur, pioneer of the Australian wool industry
   
• Reverse (Back): Merino sheep, symbolizing the significance of wool in Australia’s economy
   
• Primary Colours: Olive green/yellow ochre tones
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   

• Watermark: Captain James Cook (left-hand oval)
   
• Security Thread: Continuous metallic thread (to the left of the portrait)
   
• Paper Type: Australian-made rag paper (cotton fibre)
   

• Prefix Range:
   
  • General circulation: GAA – GLZ
     
  • First prefix (highly desirable): GAA
     
  • Last prefix: GLZ
     
• Serial Format: 3-letter prefix, 6-digit number (e.g., GAB 123456)
   

• No folds, creases, pinholes, or handling marks
   
• Sharp corners, full original crispness, vivid colours
   

• Estimated Print Run: ~153 million notes
   
• Rarity (UNC): Moderate (readily available, but pristine first/last prefixes command premiums)
   

• Standard UNC: AUD $50 – $75
   
• First/Last Prefix UNC: AUD $120 – $250
   
• Star Note (if applicable, rare): N/A — no star replacement notes officially reported for this issue
   

Values are influenced by prefix, centering, eye appeal, and grading quality.

• Final $2 paper banknote design before polymer transition (1988)
   
• Popular entry-level note for Australian collectors
   
• Best preserved in mylar sleeves (acid-free)

• Denomination: $2
   
• Year of issue: 1983
   
• Signatories: Johnston/Stone (R.A. Johnston – Governor; J.H. Stone – Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue reference: R89 (Renniks)
   
• Dimensions: 145 mm × 72 mm
   
• Printer: Note Printing Australia (NPA)
   

• Obverse: Portrait of John Macarthur (pastoralist, wool industry pioneer)
   
• Reverse: Merino sheep and wool industry imagery
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   
• Security features:
   
  • Watermark of Captain James Cook (in clear window)
     
  • Metal security thread (embedded)
     

• Common prefixes: ABG – AKN
   
• Fraser-Low standard cataloguing prefixes:
   
  • General: ABG – AKN
     
  • First prefix (scarcer): ABG
     
  • Last prefix (scarcer): AKN
     
• Serial format: Two letters followed by six numbers
   

• Approximate number issued: ~100 million notes
   
• Context: Issued near end of $2 note production (replaced by $2 coin in 1988)
   

Prefix Approximate Value (Unc)Remarks General AUD 40–70Common serials First prefix (ABG)AUD 150–250ScarceLast prefix (AKN)AUD 120–200Scarce 

Note: Crispness, embossing, centering, and absence of handling marks sharply influence top-end values.
 

• Prices stable; small rise for first/last prefixes and superb gem examples
   
• High-grade certified (PCGS, PMG) notes commanding premiums
   
• Growing collector interest in final pre-decimal-replacement series

• Denomination: $2
   
• Year of Issue: 1985
   
• Signatories:
   
  • R.A. Johnston (Governor of the Reserve Bank)
     
  • J.S. Fraser (Secretary to the Treasury)
     
• Design Series: Second Signature Combination for $2 note
   
• Printer: Note Printing Australia (NPA)
   

• Obverse (Front): Portrait of John Macarthur and Merino sheep, representing Australia’s wool industry.
   
• Reverse (Back): Portrait of William Farrer, noted for developing rust-resistant wheat strains, with a wheat field background.
   
• Designer: Gordon Andrews
   

• Watermark: Captain James Cook (visible when held to light)
   
• Metallic Security Thread: Embedded vertically near center
   
• Intaglio Printing: Raised tactile printing
   
• Microprinting & Fine Line Patterns: Anti-counterfeiting measures
   

• Serial Prefixes:
   
  • Range: ZAA – ZKF (inclusive)
     
  • First Prefix: ZAA (often most sought-after)
     
  • Last Prefix: ZKF
     
• General Serial Range: 1985 notes tend to have single letter/letter/letter-number serials in green ink
   

• Standard UNC: AUD $25 – $50
   
• First/Last Prefix UNC: AUD $75 – $150 (premium for ZAA & ZKF)
   
• Consecutive UNC Pairs: Small premiums apply
  (Prices depend on crispness, centering, and absence of handling marks)
   

✅ Short-issue period — replaced by $2 coin in 1988
✅ Popular last $2 paper note series
✅ High-grade UNC examples increasingly scarce
✅ Strong demand for First/Last Prefix and consecutive runs