The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island, as well as the independent Pacific Island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu. Within Australia it is almost always abbreviated with the dollar sign ($), with A$ sometimes used to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is subdivided into 100 cents. The Australian dollar is, as of 2012, the third-most-traded currency in the world.
The $5 note, designed by Bruce Stewart, was issued in July 1992. The front of the note carries a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with a branch of a gum tree. The designer's interpretation of Eucalyptus leaves was mainly based on the species Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma). The back of the note depicts Parliament House, Canberra. The first Parliament House, opened in 1927, is in the foreground.
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II with Eucalyptus leaves
Reverse: The Parliament House
Taken together, both sides of the note reflect Australia's system of democracy, based on the constitutional monarchy and the Westminster parliamentary structure.
The $5 note received a mixed public response. Some people considered it too dull while others were disappointed at the loss of Caroline Chisholm, the only woman apart from the Monarch to have appeared on an Australian currency note.
In April 1995, a more brightly coloured $5 note was issued to more clearly distinguish it from the $10 note.
The $5 banknote incorporates the following security features:
- The clear window which contains a stylised gum flower printed in it (and can be seen from either side).
- When the banknote is held up to the light, a seven pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the banknote combining perfectly with three points on the other.
- When the banknote is held up to the light also, an image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen under other printing.
- The words 'FIVE DOLLARS' are microprinted and can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.
- Slightly raised printing that can be felt with the fingers is used for the portraits and other major design elements.
- Intricate multi-coloured fine-line patterns and images appear on each side.
- Under ultra-violet light, the serial number fluoresces and a square patch becomes visible on the back of the banknote.
Many thanks to Ratko S. from Croatia.
