The one cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design of a feather tailed glider has not been changed since the introduction.

One cent coins were produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the Royal Mint Melbourne branch, the Royal Mint Perth branch, and the Royal Mint, Llantrisant. Production of 1966-dated one cent coins commenced at the Royal Mint Melbourne branch in 1964.

The cessation of issue of one and two cent coins was announced by the Treasurer in his Budget Speech of 21 August 1990. The decision was based on the loss of real purchasing power through inflation and the cost of minting these coins. The accompanying Press Release noted that

"..1c and 2c coins will continue to be legal tender: they can still be used to purchase goods and can be deposited with financial institutions in the normal manner."

Both coins were withdrawn from circulation commencing in February 1992.

Nominal Specifications

Composition: 97% Copper - 2.5% Zinc - 0.5% Tin

Shape: Circular

Edge: Plain

Mass: 2.60 grams

Diameter: 17.65 millimetres

Mintage Figures

Reverse Design Design Details Year Mintage

(millions) Mint* 1966-1990

A representation of a feather tailed glider

designed and sculpted by Stuart Devlin 1966 1966 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 146.5 239.0 26.6 110.0 19.9 87.7 72.6 102.5 82.4 140.7 131.7 134.8 172.9 153.4 97.3 130.3 137.9 183.6 40.3 134.3 205.6 74.7 45.9 RAM RMM RMP RMM RMM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RMLL RAM RAM RAM RAM No one cent coins were produced in 1986 1986 - - 1987 1988 1989 1990 127.0 108.4 168.4 133.3 RAM RAM RAM RAM

Notes for using these tables: These are final mintages where the numbers have been published in an Annual Report and all coins have been issued. Items marked not available will be updated when they pass the Annual Report and issue test.

*RAM = Royal Australian Mint; RMM = Royal Mint, Melbourne Branch; RMP = Royal Mint, Perth Branch; RMLL = Royal Mint, Llantrisant