What will happen to Australia’s coins and $5 note?
Australia’s coins and $5 note are set to change to show the head of King Charles III following the death of his mother.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 on September 8 after she was placed under medical supervision due to her deteriorating health.
She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8 at 8.30 pm local time (3.30 am AEDT).
Her heartbreaking death has rocked the world, including Australia as questions are raised on what will happen to their coins and $5 note.
It’s been a long standing tradition, since 1966, that the monarch appeared on the country’s coins and the $5 note - so when will King Charles III have his head printed on them?
“The monarch has traditionally appeared on the lowest denomination of Australian banknotes and it is our expectation that this would continue should there be a change in the monarch,” a RBA spokesperson said.
“All Australian banknotes issued from 1913 retain their legal tender status.”
When the new coins and $5 notes are ready, there’ll be one significant change in that King Charles III will face the left.
The Royal Australian Mint could hold another competition to help decide on the new design but will also be guided by Buckingham Palace's protocols.
Images: Reserve Bank of Australia/Royal Mint