Collecting Banknotes

Banknotes are a popular collectable and offer an interesting perspective on Australia's culture, history and values.

Many collectors aim to build a collection of banknotes based on serial numbers or signature combinations. Recent Australian banknotes include the year of manufacture in the banknote's serial number, enabling collectors to acquire banknotes based on the year they are produced.

The following information is provided for those interested in collecting Australian banknotes.

Numismatic Banknote Arrangements

For a limited period of time, the Reserve Bank of Australia will be selling first and last prefix banknotes printed in 2012 and standard uncirculated banknotes from the most recent year of print.

Orders will be accepted from 15 July until 23 August 2013.

Requests for specific serial numbers will not be met and banknotes are not guaranteed to be in consecutive order.

First and last prefix banknotes will be sold at set prices and standard uncirculated banknotes will be sold at face value. Postage and handling fees will apply to all orders. Full details will be provided on the order form, which will be available on this website closer to the commencement of the sale.

Orders can only be shipped within Australia. All orders must be submitted in writing by mail on the original order form. Orders received after 23 August 2013 will not be processed.

Standard uncirculated banknotes can also be purchased by visiting the following RBA locations:

Head Office

Sydney

Branch

Australian Capital Territory

Both locations are closed on public and New South Wales Bank holidays.

Banknote Valuations

The Reserve Bank redeems all previous issues of genuine Australian banknotes at face value only. Most commercial banks will also redeem old Australian banknotes at face value, although they are not obliged to do so. There could, however, be some reluctance if bank tellers are unfamiliar with the designs and security features of the old banknotes.

Some old banknotes may be valuable as collector items. The Reserve Bank does not provide opinions concerning the market value of old, rare or misprinted banknotes. Old banknotes may be appraised by a reputable banknote and coin dealer. The Reserve Bank does not endorse any particular organisation, but a number of Australian banknote and coin dealers are members of the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association Inc.