The ten shilling was Australia’s smallest denomination banknote, widely used in everyday life.

The 1954 Coombs/Wilson Commonwealth Bank issue was the last of its kind under Commonwealth authority. As the “people’s note,” it circulated heavily, with very few examples preserved in mint condition. Today, uncirculated survivors are scarce and highly sought after, valued for their role in mid-century daily commerce and as the closing chapter of Commonwealth Bank ten shilling issues.

The 1961 Coombs/Wilson Reserve Bank issue marked a transition to Reserve Bank authority. Though visually similar to earlier issues, its significance lies in being the Reserve Bank’s first ten shilling note—and one of the last before decimalization in 1966. This “first and last” status ensures strong collector demand, particularly for uncirculated examples.