Thecent(in circulation 1966–1992), formally theone-cent coin,was the lowest-denomination coin of theAustralian dollar.It was introduced on 14 February 1966 in thedecimalisationof Australian currency and waswithdrawn from circulationin 1992 (along with thetwo-cent coin).[1][2]It is still minted as a non-circulating coin. A one-cent coin in 1966 would have a purchasing power equal to about 16c in 2023 values.[3]
Australia | |
| Value | 0.01AUD |
|---|---|
| Mass | 2.60 g |
| Diameter | 17.65? mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Composition | 97%copper 2.5%zinc 0.5%tin |
| Years of minting | 1966–1991, 2006 and 2010–2016 |
| Obverse | |
 | |
| Design | Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia |
| Designer | Raphael Maklouf |
| Design date | 1985 |
| Reverse | |
 | |
| Design | Feathertail glider(Acrobates pygmaeus) |
| Designer | Stuart Devlin |
| Design date | 1966 |
One-cent andtwo-centcoins are legal tender only up to the sum of 20 cents (preventing large debts from being paid in small coins).[4]
Description
editFrom 1966 until 1984 the obverse featured the portrait ofQueen Elizabeth IIbyArnold Machin.It was changed in 1985 to a version byRaphael Maklouf,which remained until its withdrawal from circulation in 1992.[5]
The reverse side of the coin features the image of afeathertail glider(Acrobates pygmaeus), a glidingpossumunique to Australian states bordering thePacific Ocean.The image was designed byStuart Devlin,who designed the reverses of all of the original Australian decimal coins.
Production
editThe first issue (1966) was produced by three mints: 146.5 million were minted at theRoyal Australian MintinCanberra,with 239 million at theMelbourne Mintand 26.6 million at thePerth Mint.With the exception of 1966 and 1981, all other one-cent coins have been produced at the Canberra mint. In 1981, 40.3 million were struck at the BritishRoyal MintinLlantrisant,Wales,as well as 183.6 million in Canberra. The only year when it was not minted during its years in general circulation was 1986. It was last minted in 1990.[6]
The decision to remove the one and two-cent coins was confirmed by the Treasurer in a Budget Speech on 21 August 1990.[6]The removal was due toinflationreducing its value, and the high cost ofbronze.[6]Around the same time other countries removed their bronze coins—New Zealand removed its one and two cent coins in 1990, while the United Kingdom and Ireland changed their bronze one and two pence coins into copper-plated steel.
The one cent coin was produced as proof and uncirculated coins in 1986, 1991, 2006 and 2010 as part of mint sets. Other compositions were also used for 1 cent coins such as the 1978 (incorrectly listed as 1968 at Downies) specimen struck in aluminium[7]or fine silver proofs in 1991, 2006 and 2011.
After removal from circulation, some of the 1c and 2c coins were melted down to makebronze medalsfor the2000 Sydney Olympics.[8]
In 2017, a limited editionPossum Magicthemed coin set was released. A one-cent coin is included that shows Hush the Possum reading a book.[9]In 2019, a limited edition Mr Squiggle friends themed coin set was released. A one-cent coin is included that shows the moon from the cover of Mr Squiggle.[10]
References
edit
- ^"RBA Banknotes: Legal Tender".Banknotes.rba.gov.au. Archived fromthe originalon 26 November 2012.Retrieved17 August2013.
- ^"Frequently asked questions".Ramint.gov.au.Retrieved13 December2018.
- ^contact=Media Office, Information Department (30 October 2015)."Inflation Calculator".Reserve Bank of Australia.Retrieved3 April2024.
- ^"RBA Banknotes: Legal Tender".banknotes.rba.gov.au.Retrieved24 July2018.
- ^"Coin Types from Australia".Worldcoingallery.Retrieved17 August2013.
- ^abc"One cent".Royal Australian Mint.Retrieved27 August2018.
- ^"Decimal Errors and Varieties".Downies. Archived fromthe originalon 27 August 2014.Retrieved17 August2013.
- ^"An official striking of Sydney 2000 Olympic Victory Medals by Minister Joe Hockey MP [07/06/2000]".Ramint.gov.au. 7 June 2000. Archived fromthe originalon 18 May 2013.Retrieved2013-08-17.
- ^ascott (22 March 2023)."Possum Magic".ramint.gov.au.Retrieved13 November2023.
- ^ascott (22 March 2023)."Mr Squiggle".ramint.gov.au.Retrieved13 November2023.
- Ian W. Pitt, ed. (2000).Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values(19th ed.).Chippendale, NSW:Renniks Publications.ISBN0-9585574-4-6.
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