Next Generation Banknote Program

The new $100 banknote

This image shows the signature side of the new $100 banknote. This image shows the serial number side of the new $100 banknote.

About the Designs

The $100 banknote will be released into general circulation in late 2020. It celebrates Sir John Monash, an engineer, soldier and civic leader and Dame Nellie Melba, an internationally renowned soprano. Monash was a significant figure in the building-construction industry. He is also widely recognised for his service as a commander in the First World War. Monash was instrumental in building the Shrine of Remembrance – which features on the banknote – in his hometown of Melbourne. Melba performed in Australia, Europe and the United States of America in the late 19th and early 20th century. In addition to performing, Melba made important contributions to the arts through teaching at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music, now the Melba Opera Trust, in her home town of Melbourne.

Innovative new security features have been incorporated in the new $100 banknote to help keep it secure from counterfeiting. These security features are similar to those in the $5, $10, $20 and $50 banknotes issued progressively since 2016, such as the top-to-bottom clear window that contains a number of dynamic features including a reversing number and flying bird. There is also a patch with a rolling colour effect and microprint featuring excerpts of a letter written by Monash and Melba's autobiography Melodies and Memories .

Each banknote in the new series also features a different species of native Australia wattle and bird. The $100 banknote features the Golden Wattle ( Acacia pyncantha ) and the Australian Masked Owl ( Tyto novaehollandiae ).

As previously announced, key aspects of the existing design – colour, size and people portrayed – have been retained for ease of recognition and to minimise the disruption to businesses. The new banknote series also has a ‘tactile’ feature to help the vision-impaired community distinguish between different denominations of banknotes.

All banknotes issued by the Reserve Bank remain legal tender and can continue to be used.

Upgrading Australia's Banknotes

A core function of the Reserve Bank is to maintain public confidence in Australia's banknotes. Australia has one of the safest and most secure currencies in the world and has experienced relatively low levels of counterfeiting for many years. To ensure that this continues to be the case, the Reserve Bank researches anti-counterfeit technologies and developments in banknote design. The results of this work have culminated in a project to upgrade the security of Australia's banknotes.

The first denomination in the new series, the $5 banknote, was issued on 1 September 2016. The new $10 banknote was issued into general circulation from 20 September 2017 followed by the new $50 banknote on 18 October 2018. The new $20 was issued into circulation on 9 October 2019 and the new $100 will be issued in 2020.

Considerable work has already been undertaken on this project, including the development and review of banknote designs and production trials of new security features. It is important that the new features are durable, effectively incorporated into the banknote designs and rigorously tested. One aspect of this process is that the Reserve Bank has consulted extensively with key users of banknotes, including banknote equipment manufacturers, retail organisations, financial institutions and the vision-impaired community. Advice has also been sought through a number of channels during the development process, including a Design Advisory Panel, subject-matter experts and focus groups comprising members of the public. These ongoing consultations provide an opportunity to ensure that the new banknotes meet the needs of the community.

For more information

9 August 2019

Next Generation of Banknotes: Circulation Date for the New $20 Banknote

22 February 2019

Next Generation $20 Banknote Design Reveal

17 October 2018

Next Generation of Banknotes: $50 Enters General Circulation

5 September 2018

Next Generation of Banknotes: Circulation Date for the New $50 Banknote

15 February 2018

Next Generation of Banknotes: $50 Design Reveal

19 September 2017

Next Generation of Banknotes: $10 Enters General Circulation

15 September 2016

Bulletin article – New Banknotes: From Concept to Circulation

Alternatively download PDF 4.4 MB

17 September 2015

Bulletin article – Banknote Stakeholder Engagement

Alternative download as PDF (201KB)

19 March 2015

Bulletin article – Australian Banknotes: Assisting People with Vision Impairment

Alternative download as PDF (1.6MB)

13 February 2015

Media Release – Next Generation Banknotes: Additional Feature for the Vision Impaired

20 March 2014

Bulletin article – The Next Generation Banknote Project

Alternative download as PDF (3.3MB)

27 September 2012

Media Release – Upgrading Australia's Banknotes