2026 60th Anniversary of Decimal Currency Silver Proof Six Coin Year Set

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Australia’s changeover to decimal currency, which occurred on 14 February 1966. Prior to this, the national currency was the Australian pound, based on its British counterpart and introduced in 1910. The coins under this system were the halfpenny, penny, threepence, sixpence, shilling and florin – with 12 pennies in a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound, which was in the form of a note.

Australia’s change to decimal currency on 14 February 1966 was not just a change in numbers; it was a cultural shift. Schools, businesses and households had to adjust to a new way of counting, and the government launched one of the most memorable public education campaigns in Australian history. Enter “Dollar Bill”, a friendly cartoon character who popped up on television, posters and pamphlets, cheerfully explaining the new system. His catchy jingle, “Decimal Currency – The Easy Way!” was designed to ease fears and help people make the transition smoothly.

The lead-up to decimalisation took years of planning. A Decimal Currency Board was established to guide the process, and a nationwide competition was held to choose a name for the new currency. While quirky suggestions like the “austral” and “royal” were floated, in the end “dollar” won out as the most practical choice. When Decimal Day arrived, it was met with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Shopkeepers and banks braced for confusion, but thanks to extensive public education, the transition was smoother than expected.

Each coin is struck by Royal Australian Mint from fine proof silver and are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965 with a maximum mintage of 2,026.

DESIGN

Each of the coin’s reverse features the iconic designs of Australia’s 5c, 20c, $1 and $2 coins.

This set features custom reverse designs on the 10c and 50c coins celebrating both Australia’s pre-decimal and decimal coinage.

The obverse of each coin features the effigy of King Charles III by designer Daniel Thorne as well as the 2026 year-date.

PRESENTATION

These coins come individually encapsulated and are presented in an exquisite Royal Australian Mint themed wooden box accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. Comes packaged inside of a grey Royal Australian Mint year set themed shipper.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT