Does the new $50 banknote have a spelling mistake?
New $50 banknotes printed prior to 2019 contain a spelling error in the microprinted excerpt of Edith Cowan's maiden parliamentary speech. The error has been corrected.
New Banknote Series
Does the spelling error on the new $50 banknote affect its legal tender status? Will the banknotes be withdrawn?
These banknotes are legal tender and can continue to be used as normal. The spelling error does not affect their validity and functionality in any way. They will not be withdrawn from circulation.
The new banknotes have been made available to commercial banks to issue to the public. The Reserve Bank has also produced two commemorative products. Further information is available on the Collecting Banknotes page.
When will you fix the spelling error?
The spelling error has been corrected. New $50 banknotes printed since 2019 have the correct spelling.
Will the first polymer series banknotes still be accepted?
All existing polymer banknotes can continue to be used.
Where can I get the new banknotes?
The new banknotes have been made available to commercial banks to issue to the public. The Reserve Bank has also produced two commemorative products. Further information is available on the Collecting Banknotes page.
What does the new tactile feature look like?
The tactile feature is made up of raised bumps on each of the long edges of the banknote next to the top-to-bottom window, which vary in number on each denomination:
- $5 banknote – one bump
- $10 banknote – two bumps
- $20 banknote – three bumps
- $50 banknote – four bumps
- $100 banknote – five bumps
The location of the bumps means that they always appear slightly left of centre on the top edge regardless of which way the banknote has been placed in a wallet or purse. Further information is available on the Accessibility Features page of our website.
Is the weight of the upgraded banknotes the same as the first polymer series?
The new series of banknotes are marginally lighter than the first polymer series. We continue to be of the opinion that the practice of check weighing banknotes is inherently imprecise. This is due to variations in weight across different print runs.
The weight of the banknotes also varies over time due to wear and soiling.
Why did the Reserve Bank upgrade Australia's banknotes?
The Next Generation Banknote (NGB) program sought to increase the security of Australia's banknotes to ensure they remain secure against counterfeiting. Further information is available on the Next Generation Banknote Program page.