{"id":"F2008L02949","name":"Currency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 6)","slug":"currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":74904,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L02949-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. 6)","content":"![](image.001.png)\n\nCurrency (Royal Australian Mint) Determination 2008 (No. 6)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 22 July 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. 6).\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 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 coins\n\n(section 3)\n\n| Item 1 | $1 coin |\n| --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Denomination | $1 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.9% silver |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 11.66 g ± 0.24 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) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘C’; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE 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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘C’; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 3 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘S’ in a square surround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 4 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘S’ in a circle suround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 5 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘B’ in a square surround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 6 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘B’ in a circle surround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 7 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘M’ in a square surround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 8 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) in the centre — a representation of the earth surrounded by:(i) 7 different faces, each face superimposed on the Star of Federation; and(ii) 7 rectangles, each containing a representation of a part of a map of Australia which, placed together, would make up the map of Australia; and(iii) between 2 of the rectangles, the initial ‘M’ in a circle surround; and(iv) between 2 of the rectangles, a designer’s mark of the initials ‘WP’; and(b) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘60th ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP’; and(ii) ‘ONE DOLLAR’. |\n| | |\n| Item 9 | $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 2009’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) an effigy of Dorothy Wall; and(b) to the right of the effigy of Dorothy Wall — 4 segments, with each segment containing a cartoon representation of Blinky Bill (in descending order):(i) sitting in a tree; and(ii) standing and holding a slingshot in his right hand; and(iii) walking; and(iv) sitting on the ground with his legs in the air; and(c) to the left of the effigy of Dorothy Wall — the inscription ‘ONE DOLLAR’; and(d) around the outside — the inscriptions:(i) ‘DOROTHY WALL’; and(ii) ‘BLINKY BILL’. |\n| | |\n| Item 10 | $5 coin |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 1.244 g ± 0.040 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 14.20 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 0.70 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) a cartoon representation of a platypus swimming between bubbles; and(b) to the left of the platypus — the inscription ‘5 DOLLARS’; and(c) around the outside — the inscription ‘1/25OZ 99.99Au’. |\n| | |\n| Item 11 | $5 coin |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 1.244 g ± 0.040 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 14.20 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 0.70 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) a cartoon representation of a frill‑necked lizard standing upright; and(b) to the right of the frill‑necked lizard — the inscription ‘5 DOLLARS’; and(c) around the outside — the inscription ‘1/25OZ 99.99Au’. |\n| | |\n| Item 12 | $5 coin |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 1.244 g ± 0.040 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 14.20 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 0.70 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 2010’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a cartoon representation of a cockatoo sitting on a perch and looking to its right; and(b) to the left of the cockatoo — the inscription ‘5 DOLLARS’; and(c) around the outside — the inscription ‘1/25OZ 99.99Au’. |\n| | |\n| Item 13 | $5 coin |\n| Denomination | $5 |\n| Standard composition | At least 99.99% gold |\n| Standard weight and allowable variation | 1.244 g ± 0.040 g |\n| Maximum diameter | 14.20 mm |\n| Maximum thickness | 0.70 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 2010’. |\n| Reverse design | A design consisting of:(a) a cartoon representation of a Tasmanian devil, sitting with its arms crossed; and(b) to the left of the Tasmanian devil — the inscription ‘5 DOLLARS’; and(c) around the outside — the inscription ‘1/25OZ 99.99Au’. |\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: authorising specific commemorative coin issues. The 13 coin specifications all relate to two clear themes (Australian citizenship anniversary and Australian children's literature/native wildlife), with the minor variations between items serving legitimate minting purposes (different mint marks, precious metal vs base metal versions) rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Highly repetitive structure — 13 nearly identical table entries with only minor variations in composition, dates, and small design elements","No defined terms section — all specifications are explicit in the Schedule","No cross-references to other legislation except the empowering provision (Currency Act 1965, subsection 13A(1))","Simple conditional logic — only one substantive clause (section 4) stating this determination doesn't override others","Straightforward tabular format that is easy to parse despite length","Minimal legal jargon — mostly technical specifications (weight, diameter, metallurgy) rather than legal concepts"],"plain_english_summary":"The law authorises the Royal Australian Mint to make 13 specific commemorative coins for 2009–2010 and fixes their legal specifications — composition, weight, dimensions and required designs — so they qualify as legal tender. \n\nIt affects the Mint, coin buyers/collectors and parties handling currency, and matters because the precise specs protect authenticity, traceability and help prevent counterfeiting."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Determination remains within the ordinary scope of the Minister’s power under the Currency Act to specify the technical composition and designs of coins. It adds specific commemorative and bullion coin specifications (Schedule 1) but does not broaden the legal scope beyond specifying coin form and design. Clause 4 explicitly preserves other determinations, and there are no new regulatory categories or novel powers created."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument (4 clauses plus Schedule 1)","Schedule 1 contains 13 discrete item specifications (repetitive technical detail)","Several small variations among near-identical items (e.g. different initials or surrounds in reverse designs)","Few cross-references (only subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965 and an internal non‑override clause)","No nested exceptions or conditional logic beyond standard allowable weight tolerances","Precise numeric tolerances and design descriptions increase technical specificity but not legal complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)\n\n- This Determination (made under subsection 13A(1) of the Currency Act 1965) sets out exact technical specifications for a set of Australian coins (see section 3 and Schedule 1). It takes effect the day after it is registered (section 2).\n- Schedule 1 lists 13 specific coin types (Items 1–13) and for each gives: denomination, metal composition, standard weight with allowable variation, maximum diameter and thickness, shape, edge detail, and the obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs.\n- Clause 4 makes clear these specifications do not alter or override any other determination about coin specifications.\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Royal Australian Mint: the Mint must manufacture coins consistent with these specifications if it issues the listed designs (Schedule 1). The Minister (the maker of the Determination) authorises these technical specifications. \n- Collectors and purchasers: the coins described (including precious-metal $1 and $5 collector issues) may be produced and offered for sale. \n- Businesses and the public: these coins, once minted to the specified form, are legal-tender denominations on their face, though their use in everyday transactions is a commercial choice (businesses decide whether to accept particular coins for payment).\n- Agencies responsible for currency testing and law enforcement: they can use the listed specifications to identify genuine coins and detect counterfeits.\n\nWhat the Schedule actually specifies (high-level summary of items)\n\n- Items 1–9: $1 coins. Item 1 is a silver $1 coin (at least 99.9% silver, heavier: 11.66 g ± 0.24 g). Items 2–9 are standard copper–aluminium–nickel $1 coins (9.00 g ± 0.27 g). All $1 coins share diameter, thickness, circular shape and an edge of 14 segments (7 milled, 7 plain). Reverse designs are commemorative (for example, a 60th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship theme across several variants, and a Dorothy Wall / Blinky Bill design for Item 9). Obverse designs show the Queen’s effigy with initials ‘IRB’ and inscriptions (ELIZABETH II and AUSTRALIA with year).\n- Items 10–13: $5 gold coins (each at least 99.99% gold, weight 1.244 g ± 0.040 g, diameter 14.20 mm, thickness 0.70 mm, continuously milled edge). Reverse designs are small-cartoon animal motifs and carry the inscription of the gold content (\"1/25OZ 99.99Au\"). Obverse effigy details vary by year (2009 or 2010) (Schedule 1).\n\nWhy it matters (purpose-claims and practical effects)\n\n- The Determination authorises the technical form of specific commemorative and bullion-style coins so they can be lawfully produced by, or under authority of, the Mint (Schedule 1; section 3). The instrument therefore enables the Mint to offer collector and bullion coins that carry a face value and meet legal tender form requirements.\n- Economic and administrative implications: the Mint bears the production cost and decides on issuance; collectors and investors purchase these coins (often at a price reflecting metal content and numismatic value rather than face value). Businesses and consumers carry the choice of whether to use such coins in transactions; acceptance is a commercial decision. The government (through the Minister) determines the legal technical standard, but the Determination itself imposes no new taxes, licensing, or ongoing administrative obligations beyond the existing minting regime.\n\nTrade-offs, incentives and risks (practical testing of purpose-claims)\n\n- Concentrated benefits: the Mint and coin designers benefit directly from sales of commemorative and precious‑metal coins. Collectors and bullion buyers are identifiable beneficiaries. \n- Diffuse costs: minimal regulatory cost to government; potential small compliance burden on agencies that inspect coins (they need to use the listed specs). \n- Incentives and substitution effects: because some coins are high in intrinsic metal value (gold, silver), purchasers may buy them for investment or collection rather than for spending. This is an expected market outcome; the Determination simply authorises the form. \n- Capture or rent-seeking risk: limited in scope — the Determination prescribes technical form. The choice of commemorative themes and who designs coins is a policy and procurement matter outside the text here. \n- Implementation risk: low. The instrument is prescriptive and technical; producing coins to the stated specs is standard Mint practice. \n- Private choice and competition: the Determination does not restrict private sale of coins or secondary markets; it only sets the official technical standard for Mint‑issued coins (section 4 clarifies it does not override other determinations).\n\nWho pays, who decides, and what behaviour changes\n\n- Who pays: the Royal Australian Mint funds production; buyers (collectors/investors) pay for coins. If metal content exceeds face value, the buyer’s payment to the Mint covers that economic difference. Public budgets are not directly charged by this Determination.\n- Who decides: the Minister makes the Determination under the Currency Act; the Mint implements production. Private businesses decide whether to accept such coins in transactions.\n- Behaviour changes: the Mint is authorised to produce these specific coins; collectors and investors may purchase them; ordinary transactional use of these coins may be limited by commercial acceptance.\n\nKey legal references within the instrument: commencement (section 2), specification authority (section 3 and Schedule 1), non‑interference with other determinations (section 4).\n"},"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-6","history":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6/history","analysis":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/currency-royal-australian-mint-determination-2008-no-6/documents"}}