The 200th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in Australia in 1788
The Australia 10 Dollars (1988) banknote was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in Australia in 1788, marking the beginning of European settlement. This special edition banknote was Australia’s first polymer banknote, making it historically significant in the evolution of banknote technology worldwide.
The obverse (front) of the note celebrates Indigenous Australian culture, featuring a young Aboriginal man in ceremonial body paint along with traditional artifacts. The reverse (back) highlights European settlement, depicting the First Fleet’s arrival and an early colonial scene. This duality represents both the Indigenous heritage and European colonization, acknowledging Australia’s complex history.
With a sophisticated design, advanced security features, and durable polymer construction, this banknote remains a highly collectible and historically significant piece of currency.
Design and Aesthetic Details
Obverse (Front)
The front side of the 10 Dollars (1988) commemorative banknote prominently features:
- A detailed portrait of a young Indigenous Australian man with traditional ceremonial body paint, emphasizing Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.
- A background illustration of ancient rock carvings and ceremonial artifacts, representing Indigenous Australian culture and traditions.
- A large shield with crossed spears and boomerangs, signifying hunting and survival techniques used by Aboriginal communities.
- An etched portrait of Captain James Cook (1728–1779) in the upper right corner, reflecting European exploration and the beginnings of British settlement.
- The denomination “10” printed in multiple locations.
The overall design highlights the deep-rooted traditions of Indigenous Australians while subtly introducing the arrival of Europeans, creating a historical contrast.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse side of the banknote focuses on European settlement and features:
- A detailed engraving of the HMS Supply, one of the ships of the First Fleet, docked near Sydney Cove, marking the arrival of British settlers in 1788.
- A series of historical illustrations depicting early European settlers and convicts, showing the establishment of Australia’s first colony.
- A background image of a European homestead, representing the development of early settlements in Australia.
- Another portrait of Captain James Cook, reinforcing his role in the exploration and mapping of Australia.
- The text “TEN DOLLARS AUSTRALIA” inscribed vertically on the left side.
- The denomination “10” printed in multiple locations.
This side of the banknote represents the impact of European colonization and the subsequent development of modern Australia.
Color Scheme
The color scheme of the banknote consists of a blend of orange, brown, blue, and green hues, symbolizing:
- Indigenous cultural heritage – The earthy tones represent Australia’s ancient Aboriginal traditions.
- European settlement – The blue and green shades reflect the maritime exploration and colonial landscapes.
- National pride – The overall color balance creates a harmonious representation of Australia’s history.
The combination of warm and cool tones makes the banknote both visually striking and thematically meaningful.
Dimensions
The Australia 10 Dollars (1988) Commemorative Polymer banknote has the following dimensions:
- Width: 137 mm
- Length: 65 mm
These dimensions are standard for Australian polymer banknotes, ensuring ease of use and durability.
Security Features
As Australia’s first polymer banknote, the 10 Dollars (1988) issue introduced several groundbreaking security features, including:
- Transparent Window: A clear polymer window on the right side, a pioneering feature for banknote security.
- Optically Variable Device (OVD): A holographic image of Captain Cook, changing appearance when viewed from different angles.
- Microprinting: Tiny detailed inscriptions embedded within the design, readable only under magnification.
- Raised Intaglio Printing: Certain elements, such as the denomination numerals and Indigenous artwork, are printed with raised ink for tactile verification.
- Color-Shifting Ink: Specific areas of the note change color when tilted.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Features: Fluorescent patterns and security markings visible under UV light.
- Water-Resistant and Tear-Resistant Material: The polymer construction makes the banknote more durable than traditional paper notes.
These cutting-edge security measures set new global standards in banknote technology, influencing many countries to adopt polymer currency.
Circulation and Collectibility
Circulation
- The 10 Dollars (1988) Bicentennial banknote was released into circulation but was primarily a commemorative issue.
- As Australia’s first polymer banknote, it served as a test note for future polymer currency development.
- Over time, it was replaced by standard polymer notes, making it scarce in regular transactions today.
Collectibility
This commemorative banknote is highly sought after by collectors due to:
- Historical significance – Celebrating 200 years since European settlement in Australia.
- First polymer banknote – A groundbreaking innovation in global currency production.
- Unique design – Featuring both Indigenous and European history, making it a symbolically rich collectible.
- Limited issue – Fewer notes remain in uncirculated (UNC) condition.
- Market value – Uncirculated (UNC) versions fetch higher premiums, while circulated notes retain moderate collector interest.
This note is especially prized among numismatists, historians, and collectors of Australian currency.