Three Australian banknotes - $10 Bicentennial banknote (1988), $5 banknote (2006), $1 Phillips-Randall banknote (1966 to 1984) 1. 1988 Australia 10 Dollar Bicentennial Banknote. Description: The commemorative $10 note was the first banknote to be printed on a polymer substrate with an integrated optically variable device; it was released on 26 January 1988, the bicentenary of Governor Arthur Phillip's naming of the colony Sydney Town. Harry Williamson, the designer of the $100 decimal banknote, was chosen to lead the design team. The banknote incorporates an optically variable device that portrays Captain James Cook. It features a vessel of the First Fleet, HMS Supply, the first ship to drop anchor in Sydney Cove, and a frieze of figures across the landscape, beginning with convicts and continuing with subsequent waves of migration to Australia. Aboriginal people's culture is represented through layered imagery and patterns on the other side of the banknote. In its center is an image of a youth adorned with body decoration, commissioned by the artist Wayne Williams. Ancient rock paintings from Deaf Adder Gorge, Western Arnhem Land, appear behind the figure, and a ceremonial Morning Star Pole, created by Terry Yumbulul (Djangu), is placed between the youth and the ancestral paintings. Different styles of artwork are depicted in the background: hand stenciling, dot painting based on works acquired by the Bank from Paddy Carroll Tjungurrayi (Warlpiri; Anmatyerr), and cross-hatching (rarrk) from a bark painting commissioned from George Milpurrurru (Yolgnu). The trial of the new technology was successful, and a complete series of polymer banknotes was planned for issuance. For the production of the new series, the focus shifted from the optically variable device to less expensive alternatives that had become available. A transparent window replaced the device, as it was equally effective in hindering counterfeiting. With the New Note Series introduced between 1992 and 1996, Australia became the first nation to successfully convert its paper-based currency to polymer banknotes. Australian Bicentenary Commemorative Banknote, 1988, is an absolute must-have for all collectors' private Collections. The banknote also features an Optically Variable Device (OVD) with an image of Captain Cook, which can be viewed on both sides and is the key security feature. Because of diffraction, the OVD produces a rainbow pattern when it is angled to the light. A very thin aluminum coating forms the reflective surface. While these banknotes are still legal tender in Australia, they are too highly prized as collectors' items to be used as currency. In the 36 years since 1988, and following the wild success of Australia's polymer technology, more than 60 countries have adopted it for their entire banknote series, with more countries embracing it every year. Johnston-Fraser 2. 2006 Australian Five Dollar note - Reserve Bank of Australia A lovely polymer note. Description: Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is on the front of the 5-dollar note along with eucalyptus leaves; Shadow image; Microprinting; Clear window – vignette of gum flower. Reverse: The old and the new Parliament Houses in Canberra; Geometric patterns. Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen's portrait is based on photographs commissioned by the Reserve Bank in 1984. The Queen gave her approval for the use of this image on an Australian banknote in 1988. Eucalyptus leaves: The banknote designer's rendition of eucalyptus leaves was inspired by the species Scribbly Gum. Microprinting: Microprint is very small but well-defined text that is usually readable only with a magnifying glass. On the $5 banknote, the microprint says ‘FIVE DOLLARS’ and is located on the upper left, above the image of gum leaves. Shadow image: When the banknote is held up to the light, a faint shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen beneath other printing. See-through registration device - When the banknote is held up to the light, a seven-pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the banknote, which perfectly match three points on the other side. Clear window – vignette of gum flower: On all genuine banknotes, the window should be very clear and look like it's an integral part of the banknote, not an addition. Inside the clear window on the $5 banknote, there is a printed image of a stylised gum flower. Landscape plan for New Parliament House: This visual element is based on the Design Development Landscape Plan for the New Parliament House. Parliament House: These depictions of Australia's Old and New Parliament Houses are the designer's interpretation of architectural drawings and photographs. The Old Parliament House opened in 1927, and the New Parliament House opened in 1988. Geometric patterns: The patterns here reflect architectural features of the entrance to the ministerial wing of the New Parliament House and the skylights for the Members' Hall and the Main Committee Room. Macfarlane - Signature on an Australian banknote Macfarlane returned to Australia and became a permanent employee of the Reserve Bank's Research Department in 1979. In 1981, he was made the deputy manager. In 1983, six months before the float of the Australian dollar, he moved to the Financial Markets Department, where his work involved close interaction with the money, bond, and foreign exchange markets. In 1988, he returned to head the Economics Department in a position now known as Assistant Governor (Economic). In 1992, he was appointed Deputy Governor by the Keating government, and in 1996, he was appointed Governor by the Howard government. 3. Australian $1 One dollar 1966 to 1984 - Phillips-Randall Banknote. The front of Australia's new $1 banknote bore a portrait of the Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and a representation of the Australian Coat of Arms. The back of the banknote was distinctive, featuring an interpretation of an Aboriginal bark painting by David Daymirringu, as well as other paintings and carvings. The bills you see in the photos are the bills you will receive.