{"id":"F2008L00229","name":"Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 1)","slug":"currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":72434,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L00229-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 1)","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nCurrency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 1)1\n\nCurrency Act 1965\n\nI, NICK SHERRY, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, make this Determination under subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965.\n\nDated 21 January 2008\n\nNICK SHERRY\n\nMinister for Superannuation and Corporate Law\n\n1 Name of Determination\n\nThis Determination is the Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 1).\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Determination commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n3 Specifications of coins\n\nFor subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965, each item in Schedule 1 specifies:\n\n(a) the denomination of a coin; and\n\n(b) the coin’s standard composition; and\n\n(c) the coin’s standard weight, and the allowable variation from that weight; and\n\n(d) the coin’s dimensions; and\n\n(e) the coin’s design.\n\n4 Application of Determination\n\nThe specifications in Schedule 1 do not affect any other determination of the specifications of a coin.\n\nSchedule 1 Specification of coins\n\n(section 3)\n\n| Item 1 | $1 coin |\n| --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 9.00 g ± 0.27 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 25.12 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 2.80 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | 14 segments, of which 7 are milled and 7 are plain |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2008’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a koala sitting on a tree branch; and(b) an artist’s impression of the trunk of a tree and tree leaves; and(c) the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 2 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 9.00 g ± 0.27 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 25.12 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 2.80 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | 14 segments, of which 7 are milled and 7 are plain |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2008’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a wombat appearing to emerge from a hollow log; and(b) an artist’s impression of a patch of grass and tufts of grass; and(c) the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 3 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.9% silver |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 31.635 g ± 0.500 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 40.15 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 3.50 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | Continuously milled |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the upper sector — an artist’s impression of the sun; and(b) in the centre — a representation of a kangaroo; and(c) in the lower sector — a representation of Uluru and a collection of lines and dots; and(d) a representation of the signature of Ken Done; and(e) the inscriptions:(i) ‘ONE OUNCE FINE SILVER’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 4 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.9% silver, partially plated with 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 31.635 g ± 0.500 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 40.15 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 3.50 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | Continuously milled |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the upper sector — an artist’s impression of the sun; and(b) in the centre — a representation of a kangaroo; and(c) in the lower sector — a representation of Uluru and a collection of lines and dots; and(d) a representation of the signature of Ken Done; and(e) the inscriptions:(i) ‘ONE OUNCE FINE SILVER’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 5 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper and nickel |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 27.22 g ± 0.65 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 38.94 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 3.50 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | Continuously milled |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the upper sector — an artist’s impression of the sun; and(b) in the centre — a representation of a kangaroo; and(c) in the lower sector — a representation of Uluru and a collection of lines and dots; and(d) a representation of the signature of Ken Done; and(e) the inscription ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 6 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.9% silver |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 32.39 g ± 0.80 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 40.25 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 4.00 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | Continuously milled |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the upper sector — an artist’s impression of the sun; and(b) in the centre — a representation of a kangaroo; and(c) in the lower sector — a representation of Uluru and a collection of lines and dots; and(d) a representation of the signature of Ken Done; and(e) the inscriptions:(i) ‘ONE OUNCE FINE SILVER’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 7 | $10 coin |\n| Denomination | $10 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 3.133 g ± 0.090 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 17.65 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 1.58 mm |\n| Shape | Circular |\n| Edge | Continuously milled |\n| Obverse design | An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the initials ‘IRB’, surrounded by the inscriptions:(a) ‘ELIZABETH II’; and(b) ‘AUSTRALIA 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the upper sector — an artist’s impression of the sun; and(b) in the centre — a representation of a kangaroo; and(c) in the lower sector — a representation of Uluru and a collection of lines and dots; and(d) a representation of the signature of Ken Done; and(e) the inscription ‘TEN DOLLARS’. |\n\n> Note\n\n> Note: 1. All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See http://www.frli.gov.au.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: specifying the physical characteristics of particular coins to be minted. The scope has not expanded beyond the technical coin-specification function authorised by the Currency Act 1965."},"complexity_factors":["Straightforward tabular structure with minimal conditional logic","Only 4 operative sections (Name, Commencement, Specifications, Application) plus a schedule","No cross-references to other legislation beyond the empowering provision (Currency Act 1965, section 13A)","No defined terms section—language is descriptive rather than technical-legal","Simple 'does not affect' savings clause in section 4 with no nested exceptions","Content is purely technical/specification-based rather than regulatory"],"plain_english_summary":"This technical rule authorises and prescribes exact specifications for seven special Australian coins to be struck by the Royal Australian Mint in 2008–2009 — two standard $1 circulation designs plus five premium collector issues in silver, gold‑plated silver and gold. It sets required metals, weights, dimensions, edge treatments and artwork (native animals, Uluru, the Queen’s effigy).\n\nIt primarily affects the Mint and coin collectors/investors, ensuring legal recognition, guaranteed precious‑metal content and consistent coin quality."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Determination remains within the Currency Act power to fix specifications for coins. It does not expand the legal functions of the Mint or create new regulatory obligations beyond specifying coin physical and design characteristics (see section 3 and Schedule 1). It therefore does not materially change the legislative scope from the Act's original purpose of enabling specification of coins."},"complexity_factors":["Single-purpose statutory instrument (specifies coin features)","Short text: 4 operative clauses plus Schedule 1","Schedule 1 contains 7 detailed item entries with technical measurements (weight, diameter, thickness) and design particulars","Technical tolerances present (allowable weight variation) but no nested conditional legal rules","Minimal cross-references (only to Currency Act subsection 13A(1) and to other unspecified determinations in section 4)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)\n\n- This Determination sets the official physical and design specifications for a set of coins to be produced by the Royal Australian Mint. It is made under the ministerial power in subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 (see the instrument heading and section 3).\n- It takes effect the day after registration (section 2).\n- Section 3 says the Schedule describes, for each listed coin, the denomination, metal composition, standard weight (and allowable variation), dimensions, shape, edge form, and the obverse and reverse designs. Section 4 says these specifications do not change any other coin specifications already made.\n- Schedule 1 contains seven items: multiple $1 coins in different metal types and designs (including circulation alloys and various silver and gold variants), and a $10 gold coin. Each item lists precise technical and visual details (composition, grams, diameter, thickness, edge, inscriptions and images).\n\nWho is affected and how it matters\n\n- The Royal Australian Mint: required to produce any coin conforming to these technical and design specifications (Schedule 1). The Mint must measure and control production to the listed weights, diameters, edge profiles and inscriptions.\n- Buyers and sellers of coins (collectors, bullion dealers, investors): some coins specified are precious-metal (e.g. 99.9% silver or 99.99% gold) and are sized/weighted to bullion conventions (see Items 3–7). Those coins are typically marketed and sold on their metal and collectable value rather than used in everyday cash transactions.\n- Cash-handling businesses (banks, cash-in-transit firms, vending machine operators): for circulation-spec coins (e.g. the copper/aluminium/nickel $1 items in Items 1–2), the physical specs determine compatibility with coin-handling machinery.\n- Designers, artists and suppliers: the instrument fixes the inscriptions and artwork that must appear on obverse and reverse faces (Schedule 1).\n\nWhy this matters (practical effects and incentives)\n\n- Production and pricing: specifying precious-metal composition and weight (for example, about one troy ounce of fine silver in Items 3 and 6 at ~31.635–32.39 g) means those pieces will have intrinsic metal value. The Mint and commercial sellers will typically price those items on the market value of the metal plus a manufacturing/collector premium. Consumers, not everyday payees, will normally bear those costs when buying these coins.\n- Seigniorage and usage: where metal value significantly exceeds face value, the coins function primarily as bullion or commemorative items rather than as circulating legal-tender for day-to-day commerce. The instrument does not itself change legal-tender status, but the specifications make likely how each item will be used.\n- Operational compliance: the Mint must ensure production meets narrow tolerances (weights and allowable variations, diameters, edge types). That creates measurable quality-control obligations (Schedule 1).\n- Market effects and substitution: specifying a range of coin types (circulating alloy $1, silver bullion $1, gold $10) creates product differentiation. Some buyers will substitute bullion coins for other metal investments (gold/silver), and coin-handling processes will only interact with the circulation-spec pieces.\n\nCosts, decision-making and discretion\n\n- Who pays: purchasers of precious-metal or collector coins pay the sales price (which reflects metal and manufacturing costs). The Mint bears production costs and quality-assurance costs; whether those are subsidised by government or covered by sales proceeds is outside this Determination.\n- Who decides: the Minister (via the legal power in subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act) specifies designs and technical specs; the Determination fixes those requirements until changed by another Determination (instrument heading; section 3; Schedule 1).\n- Compliance burden and implementation risk: the main burdens are technical—manufacturing to the specified tolerances and ensuring correct inscriptions/artist signatures. There is limited administrative complexity beyond standard minting controls.\n\nImmediate legal effect\n\n- The Determination does not repeal or change existing specifications in other determinations (section 4). It simply adds or records these detailed specifications for the listed coins (Schedule 1).\n\n(References: instrument heading; sections 1–4; Schedule 1.)"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1","history":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1/history","analysis":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-1/documents"}}