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

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.

This striking 2026 Six-Coin Proof Year Set celebrates 60 years of Australian decimal currency and the integral part the Royal Australian Mint has played in its story.

Each coin is struck by the Royal Australian Mint in a proof finish and is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

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

Each coin comes individually capsuled and presented in a black Royal Australian Mint display box. Each set of coins is accompanied by an information booklet and is presented in a ’60th Anniversary of Decimal Currency’ themed shipper.

Technical Specifications

ABOUT ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT