{"id":"F2008L01660","name":"Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 4)","slug":"currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":73747,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L01660-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. 4)","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nCurrency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 4)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 15 May 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. 4).\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Determination commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n3 Specifications of coin\n\nFor subsection 13A (1) of the Currency Act 1965, each item in Schedule 1 specifies:\n\n(a) the coin’s standard composition; and\n\n(b) the coin’s standard weight, and the allowable variation from that weight; and\n\n(c) the coin’s dimensions; and\n\n(d) 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 Specifications of coin\n\n(section 3)\n\n| Item 1 | $5 coin |\n| -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | Not less than 99.9% silver |\n| Standard weight andallowable variation | 36.31 g ± 0.54 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 2008’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of an aeroplane window:(i) framing a representation of an Airbus A380 aeroplane pointing roughly right; and(ii) partially obscured by a representation of an Airbus A380 aeroplane pointing roughly left; and(iii) above the inscription ‘ 5 DOLLARS’ and a designer’s mark of initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscription ‘AVIATION HISTORY – AIRBUS A380’. |\n| Item 2 | $5 coin |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | Not less than 99.9% silver |\n| Standard weight andallowable variation | 36.31 g ± 0.54 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 2008’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the windshield of an AVRO 504K aeroplane:(i) framing a representation of an AVRO 504K aeroplane pointing roughly left; and(ii) partially obscured by a representation of an AVRO 504K aeroplane pointing roughly right; and(iii) above the inscription ‘ 5 DOLLARS’ and a designer’s mark of initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscription ‘AVIATION HISTORY – AVRO 504K’. |\n| Item 3 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight andallowable 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 pad printed image of an echidna standing on a patch of moss next to a log; and(b) to the left of the echidna — a representation of six ants; and(c) to the right of the echidna — a designer’s mark of an ‘S’ surmounting a Gemini symbol; and(d) above the echidna — the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’. |\n| Item 4 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight andallowable 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) in the background — a representation of rocks; and(b) in the foreground — a pad printed image of a rock wallaby sitting on rocks; and(c) above the representation of rocks:(i) a designer’s mark of an ‘S’ surmounting a Gemini symbol; and(ii) the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’. |\n| Item 5 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight andallowable 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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a pad printed image of a bilby standing on a patch of dirt; and(b) to the left of the bilby — a representation of spinifex; and(c) to the right of the bilby — a designer’s mark of an ‘S’ surmounting a Gemini symbol; and(d) above the bilby — the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’. |\n| Item 6 | $1 coin |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | Copper, aluminium and nickel |\n| Standard weight andallowable 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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a pad printed image of a frill‑necked lizard sitting on a log; and(b) to the left of the lizard — a stylised representation of the sun and sunrays; and(c) partially obscuring the representation of sunrays — the inscription ‘1 DOLLAR’; and(d) to the right of the lizard — a designer’s mark of an ‘S’ surmounting a Gemini symbol. |\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":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Determination stays within the original, authorised purpose under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965: it specifies the physical and design characteristics of particular coins the Royal Australian Mint may produce. It does not broaden the legal scope of the Act or introduce new classes of regulation — it simply adds/records specifications for six commemorative/circulating coins (Schedule 1) and explicitly states it does not affect other coin specifications (section 4)."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument (4 sections plus a schedule).","Single statutory cross‑reference: subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 (preamble and section 3).","Schedule lists 6 discrete coin items with repeated, simple attributes (denomination, composition, weight tolerances, dimensions, shape, edge, obverse/reverse designs).","Numeric tolerances and precise design descriptions (e.g. 36.31 g ± 0.54 g, 38.94 mm) require exact compliance but add little interpretive complexity.","No defined terms section, few conditional provisions, and an express non‑derogation clause (section 4).","Some duplication (identical obverse across items; repeated $1 specifications) which makes the document longer than its substantive variety. "],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)**\n\n- This Determination (made under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965) sets the technical specifications for six specific coins the Royal Australian Mint may produce. Those specifications are listed in Schedule 1 (section 3; Schedule 1).\n- For each coin the Determination records denomination, metal composition, standard weight and allowable variation, maximum diameter and thickness, shape, edge treatment, and the exact obverse (front) and reverse (back) designs (Schedule 1).\n- The Determination also says these specifications do not change any other existing coin-specification determinations (section 4).\n\n**Which coins are covered**\n- Two $5 silver coins (99.9% silver, 36.31 g ± 0.54 g, 38.94 mm diameter) with commemorative aviation-themed reverse designs (Airbus A380 and Avro 504K) and the standard Queen Elizabeth II obverse (Schedule 1, Items 1–2).\n- Four $1 coins (copper–aluminium–nickel, 9.00 g ± 0.27 g, 25.12 mm diameter) with different pad‑printed wildlife and historical designs and the standard Queen Elizabeth II obverse (Schedule 1, Items 3–6). Two of the $1 designs are dated 2008 and two dated 2009 (Schedule 1, Items 3–6).\n\n**Who this affects**\n- Royal Australian Mint: required to produce coins to these exact specifications (section 3; Schedule 1).\n- Coin purchasers and collectors: availability of new commemorative $5 and $1 coins and clear description of their metal content and appearance.\n- Cash handlers, banks, vending/coin-operated machine manufacturers and transporters: they may need to recognise or handle these coins if put into circulation, because the Determination defines physical attributes that affect coin acceptance and sorting.\n- The public/taxpayer: indirect effect through Mint operations and any public sale of commemorative coins; the government (via the Mint) decides issuance.\n\n**Why it matters (official rationale and practical implications)**\n- Officially, the Determination provides legally recognised, precise technical specifications so the Mint can produce and market these commemorative and circulating coins (section 3; Schedule 1).\n- Practical implications and trade-offs:\n - Production certainty: clear specs reduce manufacturing ambiguity and protect against counterfeiting by fixing size, weight, composition, edge and design details.\n - Collector market effects: high‑silver $5 coins are bullion/collector items — their silver content means intrinsic metal value may exceed face value, which encourages holding rather than day‑to‑day circulation (Schedule 1, Items 1–2).\n - Minimal disruption to commerce: $1 coins retain standard weight/size and the obverse design is unchanged; vending machines and cash-handling systems that already accept Australian $1 coins are unlikely to require major adjustment (Schedule 1, Items 3–6).\n - Concentrated benefits: designers, the Mint and coin collectors are the primary beneficiaries; costs (manufacturing, distribution) are borne by the Mint/government and any purchasers.\n\n**Costs, incentives and risks**\n- Who pays: the Mint (and ultimately the government or purchasers) pays the production costs. If sold as commemorative pieces, purchasers pay retail prices above face value; if released into circulation the public may hold higher-value silver coins out of circulation.\n- Incentives and substitution: silver content creates an incentive for investors/collectors to buy and retain the $5 coins, reducing their chance of normal circulation.\n- Compliance and implementation risk: low — specifications are straightforward, and section 4 prevents conflict with other determinations.\n- Machine‑acceptance risk: $5 commemorative coins often differ materially from circulating coinage (weight/diameter), so automated coin‑acceptors may not accept them; this is a practical rather than legal risk.\n\n**Where to look in the instrument**\n- Legal power and making of the Determination: preamble references subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965.\n- Operational rules: section 3 (what Schedule 1 specifies) and section 4 (non‑affection of other determinations).\n- Exact coin specifications: Schedule 1, Items 1–6.\n\n(End of summary.)"},"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 legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: authorising specific commemorative coin issues. The scope has not expanded beyond the technical specification of coin characteristics as permitted by the Currency Act 1965."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-purpose instrument (6 pages)","Only 4 operative sections with straightforward structure","No defined terms section—terms used have plain meanings or are self-explanatory in context","No cross-references to other legislation beyond the empowering provision (Currency Act 1965, section 13A(1))","Simple tabular format for specifications with no conditional logic or exceptions","No amendments, schedules of amendments, or transitional provisions"],"plain_english_summary":"This Determination legally authorises the Royal Australian Mint to strike six specific commemorative coins in 2008–09 and prescribes their exact physical and design specifications (metal composition, weight tolerances, dimensions, and imagery). \n\nIt matters because it gives the Mint legal authority to produce officially recognised legal tender, protects consistency and anti‑counterfeiting standards, and affects collectors, the Mint, and businesses required to accept the coins."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4","history":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4/history","analysis":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-4/documents"}}