{"id":"F2008B00108","name":"Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995","slug":"currency-determination-no-2-of-1995","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":72440,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008B00108-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995","content":"Commonwealth of Australia\n\nCurrency Act 1965\n\nCurrency Determination No. 2 of 1995\n\nI, PAUL ELLIOTT Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, acting for the Treasurer, make the following Determination under the Currency Act 1965.\n\nDated 7 April 1995.\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n![](image.002.png)Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer\n\nCitation\n\n1\\. This Determination may be cited as Currency Determination No. 2 of 1995.\n\nCommencement\n\n2\\. This Determination commences on 19 April 1995.\n\nApplication of the Determination\n\n3\\. This Determination does not affect any other determination of the specifications or design of a coin.\n\nSpecifications and design of a $2 silver coin\n\n4\\. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $2 the standard composition of which (except for the cameo referred to in paragraph (9) (a)) includes not less than 99.9% silver.\n\n(2) The shape of the coin is circular.\n\n(3) The edge of the coin is milled.\n\n(4) The standard weight of the coin is 62.770 grams.\n\n(5) A variation of 0.500 grams from the standard weight is allowed.\n\n(6) The diameter of the coin is 50.30 millimetres.\n\n(7) The thickness of the coin is 4.50 millimetres.\n\n(8) The obverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) an effigy of the Queen; and\n\n(b) the inscriptions \"ELIZABETH II\", \"AUSTRALIA\", and \"2 DOLLARS\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin,\n\n(9) The reverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) a representation of a kookaburra in flight and a smaller representation, in gold cameo, of 2 doves in flight; and\n\n(b) the following inscriptions:\n\n(i) \"THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER\";\n\n(ii) \"1995\";\n\n(iii) the words \"50 YEARS BEYOND WW II\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\nSpecifications and design of a $25 gold coin\n\n5\\. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $25 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.\n\n(2) The shape of the coin is circular.\n\n(3) The edge of the coin is milled.\n\n(4) The standard weight of the coin is 7.807 grams.\n\n(5) A variation of 0.030 grams from the standard weight is allowed.\n\n(6) The diameter of the coin is 20.10 millimetres.\n\n(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.00 millimetres.\n\n(8) The obverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) an effigy of the Queen; and\n\n(b) the inscriptions \"ELIZABETH II\", \"AUSTRALIA\" and \"25 DOLLARS\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\n(9) The reverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and\n\n(b) a smaller representation of 2 carnations; and\n\n(c) the following inscriptions:\n\n(i) \"THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET ![](image.003.png) OZ. 9999 GOLD\";\n\n(ii) \"1995\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\nSpecifications and design of a $50 platinum coin\n\n6\\. (1) This clause sets out the specifications and design of a coin of the denomination of $50 the standard composition of which (except for the cameo referred to in paragraph (9) (a)) includes not less than 99.95% platinum.\n\n(2) The shape of the coin is circular.\n\n(3) The edge of the coin is milled.\n\n(4) The standard weight of the coin is 15.605 grams.\n\n(5) A variation of 0.045 grams from the standard weight is allowed.\n\n(6) The diameter of the coin is 25.10 millimetres.\n\n(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.30 millimetres.\n\n(8) The obverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) an effigy of the Queen; and\n\n(b) the inscriptions \"ELIZABETH II\", \"AUSTRALIA\"; and \"50 DOLLARS\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\n(9) The reverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) a representation of a baby koala sitting on a branch of a tree and a smaller representation, in gold cameo, of 2 doves in flight; and\n\n(b) the following inscriptions:\n\n(i) \"THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA ![](image.004.png) OZ. 9995 PLATINUM\";\n\n(ii) \"1995\";\n\n(iii) the words \"50 YEARS BEYOND WW II\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\nSpecifications and design of a $100 gold coin\n\n7\\. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $100 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.\n\n(2) The shape of the coin is circular.\n\n(3) The edge of the coin is milled.\n\n(4) The standard weight of the coin is 31.162 grams.\n\n(5) A variation of 0.055 grams from the standard weight is allowed.\n\n(6) The diameter of the coin is 32.10 millimetres.\n\n(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.80 millimetres.\n\n(8) The obverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) an effigy of the Queen; and\n\n(b) the inscriptions \"ELIZABETH II\", \"AUSTRALIA\" and \"100 DOLLARS\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\n(9) The reverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and\n\n(b) a smaller representation of 2 doves in flight; and\n\n(c) the following inscriptions:\n\n(i) \"THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET 1 OZ. 9999 GOLD\";\n\n(ii) \"1995\";\n\n(iii) the words \"50 YEARS BEYOND WW II\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\nSpecifications and design of a $100 gold coin\n\n8\\. (1) This clause sets out the design of a coin of the denomination of $100 the standard composition of which includes not less than 99.99% gold.\n\n(2) The shape of the coin is circular.\n\n(3) The edge of the coin is milled.\n\n(4) The standard weight of the coin is 31.162 grams.\n\n(5) A variation of 0.055 grams from the standard weight is allowed.\n\n(6) The diameter of the coin is 32.10 millimetres.\n\n(7) The thickness of the coin is 2.80 millimetres.\n\n(8) The obverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) an effigy of the Queen; and\n\n(b) the inscriptions \"ELIZABETH II\", \"AUSTRALIA\" and \"100 DOLLARS\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.\n\n(9) The reverse of the coin bears:\n\n(a) a representation of 2 kangaroos, superimposed on a sunburst design; and\n\n(b) a smaller representation of 2 carnations; and\n\n(c) the following inscriptions:\n\n(i) \"THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET 1 OZ. 9999 GOLD\";\n\n(ii) \"1995\";\n\nall encircled by raised beads inside the rim of the coin.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The determination remains tightly scoped to its original purpose: authorising specific commemorative coin designs for 1995. It does not expand beyond the technical specifications of five coin types and includes a standard savings clause (clause 3) to protect existing determinations, which is typical for this class of instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Straightforward structure with 8 clauses, each serving a distinct purpose (citation, commencement, application, and five coin specifications)","No defined terms section—language is descriptive rather than technical-legal","Minimal cross-referencing (only one reference to the parent Currency Act 1965 in the preamble)","Repetitive but clear pattern: clauses 4-8 follow identical structural templates for each coin type","Precise measurements (weights to 3 decimal places, diameters to 2 decimal places) create technical density but not legal complexity","Only one conditional provision (clause 3, a savings clause protecting other determinations)","No exceptions, exemptions, or nested conditional logic"],"plain_english_summary":"This determination under the Currency Act 1965 authorises and defines five 1995 commemorative legal-tender coins (silver, gold and platinum issues), specifying their designs, exact metal content, dimensions, milled edges and allowed weight tolerances. It affects coin collectors/investors and the Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint by certifying authenticity and standards so these pieces are recognised as official Australian currency and do not supersede earlier coin determinations."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Determination stays within the Currency Act power to set specifications and designs for coins. It does not broaden the statutory remit or introduce new regulatory burdens; it simply prescribes technical and artistic details for a set of commemorative/precious-metal coins. The only notable drafting oddity is the presence of two separate $100-coin clauses describing different reverse designs, but that is a product-design duplication rather than an expansion of scope."},"complexity_factors":["Single instrument 8 clauses (including commencement and application clauses)","Four distinct coin types specified (clauses 4–8) with multiple numeric parameters per coin (weight, tolerance, diameter, thickness)","Multiple purity thresholds and cameo exceptions (e.g. gold cameo exceptions in cl 4(1) and cl 6(1))","Repetitive, formulaic structure reduces interpretive complexity (same parameters repeated for each coin)","Two separate clauses for $100 coins (clauses 7 and 8) create a slight ambiguity/duplication to track","No cross-references to other statutory definitions or external regulations—minimal legal cross-linking","Clear, discrete technical requirements reduce conditional logic and nested exceptions"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Determination does (mechanically)**\n\n- It prescribes the exact specifications and designs for a set of Australian coins to be issued under the Currency Act 1965. (See clauses 4–8.)\n- For each coin it fixes: metal/purity, shape, edge type, standard weight and permitted variation, diameter, thickness, and the precise obverse (front) and reverse (back) designs and inscriptions.\n- Coins covered are: a $2 silver coin (clause 4), a $25 gold coin (clause 5), a $50 platinum coin (clause 6) and two separate $100 gold-coin designs (clauses 7 and 8).\n- The Determination starts on 19 April 1995 (clause 2) and states it does not override other coin-specification determinations (clause 3).\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- The Treasurer (or delegate) makes the determination; the practical effect is binding on the body that mints official Australian coins (the Royal Australian Mint in practice), coin distributors, collectors, bullion dealers and anyone handling or trading these specific coins.\n- Holders or buyers of the coins are affected because the Determination fixes metal content and dimensions, which determine numismatic value and bullion content.\n\n**Key technical points (examples from the text)**\n\n- $2 silver coin (clause 4): circular, milled edge, 62.770 g ±0.500 g, 50.30 mm diameter, 4.50 mm thick. Standard composition at least 99.9% silver. Reverse includes a kookaburra and a small gold cameo of two doves; inscriptions include “THE AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA 2 OZ. 999 SILVER”, “1995” and “50 YEARS BEYOND WW II”.\n- $25 gold coin (clause 5): circular, milled edge, 7.807 g ±0.030 g, 20.10 mm diameter, 2.00 mm thick. Composition at least 99.99% gold. Reverse shows two kangaroos on a sunburst and two carnations; inscriptions include “THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET … OZ. 9999 GOLD” and “1995”.\n- $50 platinum coin (clause 6): circular, milled edge, 15.605 g ±0.045 g, 25.10 mm diameter, 2.30 mm thick. Composition at least 99.95% platinum. Reverse shows a baby koala with a small gold cameo of two doves and inscriptions including “THE AUSTRALIAN KOALA … OZ. 9995 PLATINUM”, “1995” and “50 YEARS BEYOND WW II”.\n- Two distinct $100 gold-coin designs are set out (clauses 7 and 8). Both specify 31.162 g ±0.055 g, 32.10 mm diameter, 2.80 mm thick and composition at least 99.99% gold; the two clauses prescribe different reverse details (one with kangaroos and doves and the words “50 YEARS BEYOND WW II”, the other with kangaroos and carnations).\n\n**Why this matters (purpose claims and practical effects)**\n\n- The Determination gives legal force to the physical and visual specifications of particular high-value, precious-metal coins. That identifies them as official coinage for purposes of production and market recognition (clauses 4–8).\n- From the issuer’s perspective this creates clearly defined products that can be minted, marketed and traded as bullion/collector items. From the market perspective, the specifications (metal purity, weight and inscriptions) determine intrinsic bullion value, collectability and authentication checks.\n\n**Costs, incentives and implementation considerations**\n\n- Production cost and material value: these coins are made of high-purity precious metals and include small gold cameos on some reverses (clauses 4(1), 6(1), 4(9)(a), 6(9)(a)). Manufacturing and metal costs are concentrated on the mint/issuer; purchasers pay for metal content plus any numismatic premium.\n- Limited effect on private enterprise: the Determination specifies official coin designs and therefore constrains who can produce coins that bear these legal-coin inscriptions. It does not itself set sale prices or commercial distribution arrangements; those are operational decisions for the mint or authorised sellers.\n- Compliance and quality control: the Royal Australian Mint (or other authorised producer) must ensure the products meet the tight tolerances for weight, purity and dimensions (see weight tolerances in each clause). Failure to match specifications could affect the coin’s status or market acceptance.\n- Potential for consumer confusion: issuing multiple coins with the same face value (two different $100 designs) could create variants that must be distinguished by buyers and traders (clauses 7 and 8). These are technical variants, not a change in denomination.\n- Administrative risk is low: the Determination is largely technical and formulaic. The main implementation tasks are minting to spec, assaying metal content and documenting the designs for distribution and authentication.\n\n**Net practical effect**\n\n- Official authorization and specification of several commemorative/bullion coins with precise technical and artistic features (weights, dimensions, metal purities, obverse/reverse designs). The Determination imposes production specifications rather than tax, regulatory or market-entry rules."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995","history":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995/history","analysis":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/currency-determination-no-2-of-1995/documents"}}