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

Description

60 Years of Australian Decimal Currency

Australia’s change to decimal currency on 14 February 1966 was not just a change in numbers; it was a cultural shift. Gone were the days of pounds, shillings and pence and their complex calculations. In their place a simple, modern system of dollars and cents. 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 Changeover 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. 

Sixty years on, the spirit of that bold change lives on in these stunning keepsakes, evoking memories of new coins and a nation learning to count, and as a cherished piece of our history.