Area: 2,574,980 square miles                                      Population: 14,800,000    

Discovered by Dutch navigators in the 17th Century, and later claimed for Great Britain by Captain Cook. Served as an English penal colony for about 50 years then the discovery of gold in 1851 led to exploration of the entire continent and a dramatic increase in the population. Today the independent commonwealth of Australia comprises 6 states.

The decimal system for coinage in Australia was commenced in February 1966, when the Canberra Mint opened. Previously coins were struck at various English mints, more often at Bombay or Calcutta.

Monetary System

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

2 Shillings = 1 Florin

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

Since February 14, 1966: 100 Cents = 1 Australian Dollar

PRE-DECIMAL COINAGE (Prior to February 14, 1966)

DECIMAL COINAGE (Since February 14, 1966)

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