Huge changes to Australia’s coins and notes after Queen Elizabeth’s death

While Australian coins and notes have carried the Queen’s face since 1966, the monarch’s death will trigger a change which could see her face eventually replaced.

Queen Elizabeth II’s death has triggered a series of changes with national and international significance, from an official period of mourning, to the ascension of a new king.

In Australia, the head royal’s passing will also mean an update to the appearance of our coins.

It’s understood King Charles’ face will appear on newly-minted coins from 2023. They will use an effigy supplied by the UK Royal Mint, as is consistent with past practice.

Existing currency with the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender. Coins bearing the deceased monarch’s mark may continue to be minted during this transition period.

In the past few months, the Treasury has been working with the Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint, in planning for a potential change in succession.

Since 1995, a portrait of the monarch aged 58 has also appeared on the $5 note.

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The $5 note has a portrait of the Queen aged 58.

When $1 notes were in circulation, the currency was also emblazoned with a portrait of the monarch taken by London photographer Douglas Glass in 1964.

However, in the wake of the Queen’s death, new Australian coins will be minted with the new head of the monarch, which has automatically passed to King Charles, 73.

When Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI died in 1952, revised Australian coins which used the young monarch’s portrait were placed into circulation from 1953 onwards.

The monarch’s effigy has backed Australian coins since we transitioned into decimal currency, away from shillings and pounds in 1966.

Australian coins have used the Queen’s face since Australia implemented decimal currency. Picture: Royal Australian Mint

Prince Charles money

Currency in other Commonwealth countries like New Zealand and Canada will also likely be updated.

There may also be a commemorative coin to mark the passing of the Queen, however no announcement has been made as of yet.

The Royal Australian Mint has been contacted for comment, however news.com.au did not receive comment at the time of publishing.

In New Zealand, the Reserve Bank said an order for new bank notes was only placed once every year or two, stressing there wouldn’t be an immediate push for new cash.

“We would naturally take steps to be ready to mint with the new effigy when available,” a spokesman said.

“However when our mints start production of NZ (currency) would relate less to a change of sovereign than to our current stock levels reaching the point that they’re needed and then scheduling that with our mints.”

Australian coins will slowly to have the face of King Charles, now that the Queen has died. Picture: iStock

The Royal Australian Mint last unveiled a 50c coin in May, 2022 in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The special coin marked the majesty’s 70 years on the thrown and featured intertwining sprigs of Golden Wattle (an Australian native) and her favourite flower, Lilly of the Valley.

In addition to money, the British national anthem “God Save the Queen” will be changed to “God Save the King”, with lyrics altered to suit a male monarch. These were last sang in 1952, during the reign of King George VI.

Senior members within the legal professions will also change their title to being a KC (King’s Counsel), whereas they were formally called a QC (Queen’s Counsel).

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

After a reign of 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at 8.30pm local time (3.30am AEDT). She was 96 years old.

According to a statement from the Royal Family, she passed away “peacefully”.

King Charles also issued a statement, and said it was a “moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family”.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he wrote.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

Originally published as Huge changes to Australia’s coins and notes after Queen Elizabeth’s death