$50 note: Brand new design revealed to Australia
Expect Australian wallets and purses to look a little bit different in the second half of the year, as the Reserve Bank (RBA) unveiled its brand new design for the $50 banknote.
The new note, which will enter circulation in October, features portraits of Aboriginal author David Unaipon and Edith Cowan, the first female member of parliament.
Australia’s new $50 note, featuring Aboriginal writer/inventor David Unaipon and first female member of an Australian parliament, Edith Cowan. In circulation from October #tennews @RBAInfo pic.twitter.com/cRes0nDzMi
— Daniel Sutton (@danielsutton10) February 14, 2018
The $50 banknote is the latest piece of Australian currency to get a facelift from the Reserve Bank, after the $5 and $10 notes were updated last year, and experts believe a new design for the $20 note is just around the corner.
“Improved security and ease of recognition underpin the design of the new $50 banknote,” RBA Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement on Thursday.
“With the release of the $5 and $10 during the past two years, we are confident the Australian public are becoming familiar with the new banknote security features.”
The RBA is reportedly working closely with manufacturers and retailers to ensure they avoid a repeated of previous note releases which saw new designs rejected.
“This has included a number of trials and the early distribution of test notes to allow manufacturers and owners of these machines to update their equipment,” the RBA said.
“The design is being released today to facilitate this ongoing work with the industry as well as staff training to ensure a smooth transition when the banknotes are released later this year.”
There's a new $50 note. What's your verdict? https://t.co/bf3yUOC4SA pic.twitter.com/IqGYgyu9CV
— The Courier-Mail (@couriermail) February 15, 2018
The new $50 banknote features a top-to-bottom clear window as its main security features, with a rolling colour effect, dynamic images as well as microprint with excerpts of Unaipon’s writing and Cowan’s maiden parliamentary speech.
“David Unaipon and Edith Cowan were campaigners for social change and we are proud to continue featuring them on the $50 banknote,” Mr Lowe said.
“The new banknote provides the opportunity to tell more of the rich story behind these distinguished Australians.”
What are your thoughts? Do you like the new design? Or is it a bit off the mark?