The new $100 banknote enters general circulation today. It is the final denomination
to be
redesigned as part of the Reserve Bank’s Next Generation Banknote Program.
Governor Philip Lowe said, ‘The release of the new $100 marks the completion
of the
decade-long program to upgrade the security of our banknotes. As a result, Australia
continues to have
some of the best and most secure banknotes in the world. We also continue to celebrate
the outstanding
contributions of two well-known Australians, Sir John Monash and Dame Nellie Melba, on
the new
$100.’
Sir John Monash was an engineer, soldier and civic leader recognised for his influence in
the
building-construction industry and service as a commander in the First World War. Dame
Nellie Melba was
an internationally renowned soprano who performed in Australia, Europe and the United
States of America
and taught at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, now the Melba Opera Trust.
On the new $100, a number of dynamic security elements are integrated with the
top-to-bottom window,
including a reversing ‘100’ in the Shrine of Remembrance, which Monash was
instrumental in
building. There is also a three-dimensional fan with colourful lines, representing Melba’s
career
as a performer.
Assistant Governor Lindsay Boulton commented, ‘We anticipate it will take some time
for people
to regularly see the new $100 banknote in circulation as our largest-denomination
banknote is
generally used as a store of wealth rather than for transactions. It is also important
for people to
know that the existing $100 banknotes can continue to be used and we expect both
series of
banknotes to co-circulate for some time. In fact, all our banknotes, including paper
banknotes issued
many years ago, remain legal tender in Australia.’
The Reserve Bank has worked closely with banknote equipment manufacturers and retailers
to help them
prepare ATMs and other banknote authenticating machines to handle the new $100 banknote.
As with the other recently released banknotes, the new $100 has a ‘tactile’
feature
to assist people who are blind or who have low vision to distinguish between different
denominations.
There are five raised bumps on each of the long edges of the $100 banknote.
Standard uncirculated banknotes are available at face value over-the-counter at our
Sydney Head Office
(65 Martin Place) and Canberra branch (20-22 London Circuit) Banking Chambers.
Prior
arrangements should be made to purchase the new banknotes at our Sydney office. Details
can be viewed on
the banknotes website.
