$50 1973-1993 DETAILED REPORT...

• Denomination: $50
   
• Issuing Authority: Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• Signatories: John R. Phillips (Governor) / R.A. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Issue Date: 1973
   
• Series: Last paper $50 banknote (introduced 1973, replaced by polymer in 1995)
   

• Obverse (Front):
   
  • Portrait of David Unaipon (Ngarrindjeri inventor, preacher, author)
     
  • Features include Unaipon’s mechanical sheep-shearing tool design, mission church
     
  • Caption: “Australia” printed in OCR-B type font (key variety identifier)
     
• Reverse (Back):
   
  • Portrait of Edith Cowan (Australia’s first female parliamentarian)
     
  • Features include State Parliament building, symbolic motifs
     

• Variety: “Australia” type
   
  • Word “Australia” in OCR-B font under Unaipon portrait
     
  • This differs from the earlier “Commonwealth of Australia” type (pre-1974 notes)
     
• Paper Type: 100% cotton fibre, no security window (pre-polymer era)
   
• Security Features:
   
  • Watermark of Captain James Cook
     
  • Metallic security thread (fully embedded)
     
• Serial Prefix Range: YAA – YZZ (Phillips/Wheeler printings)
   

• Size: 155 mm × 80 mm
   
• Printer: Note Printing Australia (NPA), Craigieburn VIC
   
• Printing Method: Intaglio and offset lithography
   

• Uncirculated Grade (UNC) Typical Value: AUD $140 – $220
   
• Star Notes (Replacement Notes): Rare — up to AUD $400+
   
• Factors Affecting Value: Prefix, centering, ink vibrancy, originality (no folds/handling marks)
   

• Last signature combination for paper $50 before Fraser/Johnson (1985)
   
• Popular due to cultural significance (David Unaipon featured again on polymer $50 note, 1995 onwards)
   
• Scarcer in pristine Uncirculated due to lower survival rate of paper notes

• Denomination: $50
   
• Issue Date: First issued in 1973 (Knight/Wheeler signatures issued 1975)
   
• Signatories: J.G. Phillips (Governor) / F.H. Wheeler (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Prefix Range (Knight/Wheeler): YAA to YDJ
   
• Printer: Note Printing Branch, Reserve Bank of Australia
   
• Dimensions: 162 mm × 81 mm
   
• Paper Type: 100% cotton fibre (no polymer yet)
   

• Obverse (Front):
  Portrait of Ian Clunies Ross (Veterinary scientist and administrator)
   
  • Background images of Australian rural/agricultural scenes
     
  • Yellow and ochre colours dominate
     
  • Intricate fine-line patterns and microtext security
     
• Reverse (Back):
  Portrait of Howard Walter Florey (Nobel Prize-winning pathologist)
   
  • Imagery referencing medical research (microscope, lab work)
     
  • Green and ochre colours
     
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (Visible when held to light)
   
• Security Features:
   
  • Metallic security thread (windowed)
     
  • Watermark
     
  • Fine line intaglio print and microtext
     

• Print Run: Estimated ~120 million (all Knight/Wheeler $50 notes)
   
• Scarcity (Uncirculated): Moderate-High — Fewer pristine examples due to age and handling
   
• Key Prefixes for Collectors:
   
  • First Prefix: YAA
     
  • Last Prefix: YDJ
    (First/Last prefixes fetch premiums)
     

• General Uncirculated (standard prefix): AUD $300–500
   
• First/Last Prefix Uncirculated: AUD $800–1,500+ (depending on condition and rarity)
   
• Exceptional Notes (consecutive pairs, star notes, superb gem): May exceed AUD $2,000+
   

• Highly valued if certified (graded) by agencies like PCGS or PMG — GEM UNC 65+ notes command highest premiums
   

The 1975 Knight/Wheeler $50 paper note is a key early high-denomination Australian banknote, with strong collector demand, especially in Uncirculated condition. First/Last prefixes and graded examples carry highest value.

• Denomination: $50
   
• Year of First Issue: 1973 (first $50 note); specific Knight/Stone signature combo: 1979
   
• Signatories:
   
  • John Knight (Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia)
     
  • A.S. Stone (Secretary to the Treasury)
     
• Catalogue References: Renniks R509; Pick 46b
   

• Obverse (Front):
   
  • Portrait of Howard Walter Florey, medical scientist (Penicillin co-developer)
     
  • Background: Laboratory imagery & stylised Penicillin fungus
     
• Reverse (Back):
   
  • Portrait of Ian Clunies Ross, veterinary scientist and CSIRO chairman
     
  • Background: Pastoral scenes, merino sheep, CSIRO research theme
     
• Designer: Gordon Andrews (noted Australian graphic designer)
   
• Dimensions: 155 mm x 80 mm
   
• Printing: Offset and intaglio on polymerised cotton rag paper
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook (standard on all paper notes of the era)
   
• Security Features (1979 standards):
   
  • Watermark (Cook)
     
  • Metallic security thread (embedded, continuous)
     

• Printed Quantity (Estimate): ~45–50 million (Exact figure not publicly disclosed)
   
• Circulation Period: 1979–1995 (withdrawn gradually after polymer $50 launched in 1995)
   
• Rarity (Uncirculated): Moderate — more available than earlier Knight/Wheeler but scarcer than later Johnston/Fraser notes
   

• Uncirculated Value (approximate, AUD):
   
  • $220 – $350 depending on serial number range and crispness
     
  • Premium for:
     
    • First prefix (YAA)
       
    • Last prefix (YDK)
       
    • Solid, radar, or low serials
       
• Grading Notes:
   
  • True UNC should show zero handling, full embossing, sharp corners, no counting flicks
     
  • Common flaws (reducing value): handling marks, corner bends, slight toning
     

• This was the second signature combination for $50 notes
   
• Paper $50 notes are highly collectable due to their large size, intricate design, and historical context (pre-polymer era)

AttributeDescriptionDenomination$50Year of First Issue1983SeriesCommonwealth of AustraliaSignatoriesJohnston / StoneCatalogue ReferenceRenniks R509Dimensions155 mm × 80 mmMaterialPaper (Rag fibre)PrinterNote Printing Australia (NPA)  

SideDesignObverse (Front)Portrait of Howard Walter Florey (1898–1968), Nobel Prize-winning Australian pathologist, key figure in penicillin development. Features include microscope, penicillin culture dish and chemical formula.Reverse (Back)Portrait of Sir Ian Clunies Ross (1899–1959), veterinary scientist and former CSIRO Chairman. Depicts merino sheep, research laboratory equipment, and scientific diagrams. 

Watermark: Captain James Cook
Security Features (1983): Metallic security thread (windowed), micro-printing, watermark

• First $50 banknote issued under Johnston (Governor) and Stone (Secretary to the Treasury).
   
• Printed in large quantities in 1983–1985, widely circulated before polymer notes introduced in 1995.
   

GradeEstimated Value (AUD)Uncirculated (UNC)$190 – $275Choice UNC / Gem UNC$250 – $400+ (premium for low serials, first prefix) 

Notes:
– First Prefix: YAA highly sought (up to $600+ UNC)
– Last Prefix: YEH rarer, commands higher prices
– Crisp paper, sharp corners, and no handling marks are critical for UNC classification.

✅ Historic design (only Australian $50 paper series)
✅ Prominent figures in science
✅ Popular among decimal collectors
✅ Relatively affordable high-grade notes
✅ Higher value for first/last prefixes or consecutive pairs

• Denomination: $50
   
• Year of Issue: 1985
   
• Signatories: Johnston/Fraser (R.A. Johnston, Governor; N.F. Fraser, Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Catalogue References:
   
  • Renniks: R509
     
  • Pick: P44b
     

• Series: First Polymer-era prelude (but still paper note)
   
• Obverse (Front): David Unaipon (Ngarrindjeri author, inventor, preacher)
   
• Reverse (Back): Edith Cowan (First female Australian parliamentarian)
   
• Printer: Note Printing Australia (Reserve Bank of Australia subsidiary)
   
• Dimensions: 155 mm × 80 mm
   
• Material: Paper (Tallow-coated cotton fibre)
   

• Watermark of Captain James Cook (portrait, right side)
   
• Metallic security thread (windowed thread embedded vertically)
   
• Microprinting and fine line patterns
   
• Intaglio printing (raised print texture)
   

• Prefix Range: YAA to YDJ (sequential alpha prefixes)
   
• Numbering Style: Dark blue/black serial numbers
   
• Orientation: Horizontal at top left, vertical at bottom right
   

• Estimated print run: ~17 million notes
   
• Replaced by polymer in 1995 → Paper issues withdrawn
   
• Johnston/Fraser is the second last signature pair for paper $50 (after Johnston/Stone)
   

• Retail Range (Australia): AUD $175–$275 (UNC, depending on prefix and centering)
   
• Investment Grade: High — Scarce in GEM UNC (graded 66+); lower availability due to 40 years elapsed
   
• Graded Notes: PCGS/PMG 66–68 EPQ examples can command AUD $300–$400+
   

• Desirability: Strong — First Australian note to depict an Indigenous Australian (Unaipon)
   
• Condition Sensitivities:
   
  • Clean, sharp corners
     
  • No handling marks or pinholes
     
  • Well-centered margins preferred
     
• Special Prefix Premiums: First/Last prefix pairs (e.g., YAA, YDJ) can attract up to +20%
   
• Bulk Uncut Sheet Rarity: None issued — all notes originally released individually
   

• Clear Cook watermark
   
• Metallic security thread present
   
• Raised intaglio texture (not flat ink)
   
• No fluorescence under UV light (genuine paper stock = non-reactive)

• Country: Australia
   
• Denomination: $50
   
• Series: 1989 paper issue
   
• Signatories:
   
  • R.A. (Bob) Fraser – Secretary to the Treasury
     
  • R.J. (Bob) Phillips – Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia
     
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks: R509
   
• Material: 100% cotton fibre paper
   

• Obverse (Front):
   
  • Portrait of David Unaipon (Aboriginal writer, preacher, and inventor)
     
  • Background shows Unaipon’s mechanical hand and references to his contributions to science.
     
• Reverse (Back):
   
  • Portrait of Edith Cowan (first female member of an Australian parliament)
     
  • Background features women's rights activism scenes.
     

• Metallic security thread (fully embedded, non-windowed)
   
• Watermark of Captain James Cook (traditional watermark used until polymer era)
   
• Fine intaglio printing (raised feel)
   
• Microprinting and fluorescent ink under UV light
   

• Printed by Note Printing Australia (NPA)
   
• First $50 design (since denomination introduced in 1973)
   
• Issued shortly before the transition to polymer notes (1995)
   

• Condition Key: Uncirculated (UNC) = crisp, no folds, no creases, fresh original sheen.
   
• Rarity:
   
  • Standard 1989 Phillips/Fraser notes are common in circulated grades.
     
  • In strict Uncirculated grade, they are scarcer, especially original bundles and sequential runs.
     
• Special Serial Numbers (low, repeaters, radar numbers) greatly boost value.
   

• Standard Uncirculated:
   
  • AUD $120 – $180 per note
     
• Exceptional examples (perfect centering, serial 0000001-0000100 range, or consecutive pairs):
   
  • AUD $250+
     
• Graded banknotes (e.g., PCGS or PMG certified 66-68 EPQ):
   
  • AUD $300–$400
     

• Watch for minor handling bends ("cabinet friction") on so-called "uncirculated" notes — true UNC must have no bends or handling marks.
   
• Verify UV features and watermark to ensure authenticity.
   
• Be aware that the 1989 $50 paper note is often mistaken for the polymer series; this 1989 issue is definitely paper.

• Denomination: $50
   
• Year of Issue: 1990
   
• Signatories: R.A. Fraser (Governor), Tony Higgins (Secretary to the Treasury)
   
• Series Prefix Range: YAA to YEH
   
• Catalogue References:
   
  • Renniks (R.509)
     
  • McDonald (McD 61)
     

• Obverse:
   
  • Portrait of David Unaipon (Indigenous Australian inventor, author)
     
  • Features Unaipon’s mechanical sheep shearing design
     
  • Background includes Ngarrindjeri cultural elements
     
• Reverse:
   
  • Portrait of Edith Cowan (First female member of Australian Parliament)
     
  • Includes images of Western Australia’s Parliament and women's suffrage themes
     

• Metallic security thread (windowed, thin thread embedded vertically)
   
• Watermark: Captain James Cook portrait (visible when held to light)
   
• Microprinting: Fine-line patterns and microtext for anti-counterfeiting
   

• Size: 155 mm x 80 mm
   
• Material: Paper (100% cotton fibre), prior to switch to polymer in 1995
   

• Uncirculated (UNC): AUD $170–250 (depending on prefix rarity and centering)
   
• High-demand prefixes: First (YAA) and last (YEH) prefixes command a premium
   
• Star notes: No star replacement notes issued for this series
   

• Final Fraser/Higgins $50 paper issue before Fraser/Cole 1991 series
   
• Highly sought after in pristine UNC due to historical figures and cultural relevance
   
• Condition-sensitive: Strong preference for crisp, centered notes without handling marks

The 1991 Australian Fraser/Cole $50 paper banknote, often referred to as the "Fraser/Cole note," is a significant piece in Australian currency history. It represents one of the final series of paper banknotes before the country transitioned to polymer notes.

Here are the key details of this note:

• Obverse:
   
  • Portrait of Herbert Cole, former Australian Treasury Secretary, and John Fraser, former Australian Treasury Secretary.
     
  • Background features stylized images of Australia's mining and industrial sectors, reflecting the nation’s economic base at the time.
     
  • Security Features:
     
    • Watermark: Portrait of Herbert Cole visible when held up to the light.
       
    • Security Thread: Embedded with an orange and black security thread visible when viewed against light.
       
    • Microprinting: Small printed text in various locations for added security.
       
• Reverse:
   
  • Depicts a scenic landscape showing Australia's outback and mining activities, highlighting the country’s economic connection to natural resources.
     
  • Includes stylized waves and bore water imagery that ties into the mining theme.
     

• The Fraser/Cole $50 note was issued as part of the 1988 Series of Australian banknotes.
   
• It was released into circulation in 1991, marking the end of the paper banknote era for Australia before they transitioned to polymer notes in 1992.
   

• Watermark: A prominent feature, ensuring authenticity when held against light.
   
• Security Thread: Highly visible, adding to the note’s protection against counterfeiting.
   
• UV Light: Certain parts of the note’s design are visible only under UV light, enhancing its security.
   

• Uncirculated notes are those that have not been used in circulation and are in pristine condition.
   
• Market Value: An uncirculated 1991 Fraser/Cole $50 note typically ranges in value from AUD 60 to AUD 100, depending on the demand and market conditions.
   
• Collector Interest: There is strong demand from collectors of Australian currency, particularly for notes that are uncirculated or in mint condition.
   

• The Fraser/Cole $50 note is a transitionary piece in Australia's currency history. It represents the last of the paper notes, transitioning into the polymer era. This note is especially notable due to the significant features and security measures designed to combat counterfeiting.
   

• After 1992, Australia began introducing polymer banknotes starting with the $10 polymer note.
   
• The polymer series was designed to be more durable, secure, and environmentally friendly compared to paper notes, contributing to the Fraser/Cole note’s special place in history.
   

• Always ensure the note is stored properly, as handling can degrade its condition. It is recommended to store in protective currency sleeves to preserve its uncirculated state.
   
• Certificates of authenticity or being graded by currency experts (such as PCGS or PMG) can increase its value in the collector market.
   

The 1991 Australian Fraser/Cole $50 paper banknote is a significant part of Australian currency history and a valuable item for collectors. Its uncirculated condition makes it particularly sought after, both for its design and its place as the last paper $50 note before Australia adopted polymer notes.

The 1993 Australian $50 paper banknote, featuring the Fraser/Evans signatures, is a significant issue in the Australian currency series. Here's a detailed report on this note:

• Date of Issue: 1993
   
• Series: Australian $50 banknote (Fraser/Evans signatures)
   
• Type: Paper banknote (predecessor to polymer banknotes introduced in 1996)
   
• Signatures:
   
  • John Fraser (Secretary of the Treasury)
     
  • Ralph Evans (Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia)
     
• Note Dimensions: 156 mm x 65 mm
   
• Country of Origin: Australia
   
• Material: Paper (cotton-based)
   

The design of the 1993 $50 banknote is part of Australia's "Floral Series," which was introduced in 1973. The design of this note incorporates vibrant imagery and distinctive security features:

1. Obverse:
    
   • Portrait of David Unaipon: The front of the note features a portrait of David Unaipon, a significant Indigenous Australian inventor, author, and activist. His image is central to the design, highlighting his contribution to Australian society.
      
   • Floral Motif: Surrounding the portrait are stylized floral elements, notably native Australian flora. These design elements are part of the banknote's artistic focus on Australian identity.
      
   • Security Features: The note features a security thread, a prominent feature to deter counterfeiting. A watermark in the shape of Unaipon’s portrait is also included.
      

1. Reverse:
    
   • Native Australian Wildlife: The reverse of the note prominently features a native Australian animal, the platypus, which is also a symbol of Australia's unique fauna.
      
   • Floral Motif Continuation: The floral design continues across the reverse, with more native plants, reinforcing the theme of Australia’s natural heritage.
      
   • Denomination and Text: The large "$50" denomination is featured on both sides of the note, and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s logo is visible.
      

The 1993 $50 paper banknote includes several advanced security features for its time:

• Watermark: The note features a watermark of David Unaipon’s portrait, providing an added layer of protection.
   
• Security Thread: Embedded in the paper is a security thread, which appears as a dark stripe when held up to light.
   
• Microprinting: Small text that is difficult to reproduce without proper equipment is present in the design, visible only under magnification.
   

• Uncirculated (UNC): An uncirculated note is one that has never been used in circulation and is in pristine condition. The note is free from folds, creases, or any form of wear and tear, retaining its original crispness and clarity. It should also have sharp corners and edges, and the ink should remain vibrant.
   
• Value: As a paper banknote in uncirculated condition, its value can exceed its face value, particularly among collectors. The note’s value depends on the current demand in the market, rarity, and overall collector interest. As of recent estimates, an uncirculated 1993 $50 Fraser/Evans note can fetch prices from around AUD 100 to AUD 200 or more, depending on market conditions.
   

This banknote is a sought-after item for collectors, especially due to its limited run and the transition from paper to polymer notes. Notes with the Fraser/Evans signatures are regarded as historical due to their role in Australia's monetary history. The note’s collectible nature is enhanced by the inclusion of David Unaipon, an influential Aboriginal figure.

• Series: 1993 $50 (Fraser/Evans signatures)
   
• Design: Features David Unaipon on the obverse and native wildlife (platypus) on the reverse.
   
• Condition: Uncirculated (UNC) is pristine with no signs of wear.
   
• Security Features: Watermark, security thread, microprinting.
   
• Value: Estimated around AUD 100-200 in uncirculated condition.
   

This banknote is highly valued by collectors of Australian currency, particularly those interested in paper notes and Australia’s history.