Complete Guide to the 2020 Australian $100 Note: History, Design, Serial Numbers, and Collector Value

The 2020 Australian $100 polymer note is a significant milestone in the evolution of Australian currency. Issued as part of the Next Generation Banknote (NGB) series, it showcases modern design, cutting-edge security features, and pays homage to two of Australia's iconic historical figures — Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2020 $100 note, including its history, features, rare serial numbers, market prices, and what collectors are willing to pay today.

History of the $100 Australian Banknote

The Australian $100 note was first introduced in 1984. It remained largely unchanged until the polymer version debuted in 1996. With a focus on durability, security, and design modernization, the 2020 edition was released as part of Australia’s Next Generation Banknote upgrade initiative.

Key Milestones:

• 1984: First issue of the $100 paper note.

• 1996: Introduction of the first polymer $100 note.

• 2020: Launch of the updated NGB version with enhanced features and tactile elements.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) issued the 2020 note with the goal of ensuring long-term protection against counterfeiting and improving accessibility.

Who Is on the 2020 $100 Note?

• Front Side: Dame Nellie Melba, world-renowned Australian opera singer.

• Back Side: Sir John Monash, military commander, civil engineer, and educator.

Each side includes illustrations that reflect their achievements and contribution to Australian culture and history.

Detailed Design Features

The 2020 $100 note is a highly secure, full-polymer banknote, with unique design elements that enhance its appearance and usability.

Key Features:

• Clear Top-to-Bottom Window: Embedded with dynamic images.

• Tactile Feature: Raised dots help vision-impaired users identify denominations.

• 3D Flying Bird: Found in the large transparent window — appears to flap as the note is tilted.

• Rolling Color Effect: On the serial number and coat of arms.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Ink Patterns: Visible under blacklight.

• Microprint & Fine Line Patterns: Hidden security text in fine detail.

These security features make the 2020 $100 note nearly impossible to counterfeit.

Understanding Prefixes and Serial Numbers

Australian banknote collectors pay close attention to prefixes and serial numbers, which can significantly influence a note’s market value.

Common Prefixes in the 2020 Series:

• First Prefix: AA20

• General Circulation Prefixes: AB20 to EZ20

• Last Prefix: EJ20

Collectors highly value first (AA20) and last (EJ20) prefixes, especially in Uncirculated (UNC) condition.

Serial Number Types Collectors Look For:

• Low Numbers: e.g., 000001 – 000100

• Solid Numbers: e.g., 777777, 999999

• Radar Numbers: e.g., 123321, 456654

• Repeaters: e.g., 121212, 343434

• Ladder Notes: e.g., 123456, 654321

• Rotator Notes: e.g., 619916, 900009

If your 2020 $100 note has one of these, it may be worth significantly more than face value.

Collector Value of 2020 $100 Notes

The value of a 2020 Australian $100 note depends on condition, rarity, serial number, and prefix. Below is a rough price estimate based on collector market trends:

🔍 Note: These prices vary depending on the dealer, buyer interest, and availability.

Where to Buy or Sell 2020 $100 Notes

Collectors and investors use multiple platforms to buy or sell rare or premium-condition banknotes.

Recommended Places:

• eBay Australia – Search for listings with high-resolution images.

• Downies Collectables

• Noble Numismatics

• Australian banknote forums

• Facebook Groups – Trusted currency collector communities.

Always verify authenticity before purchasing and check for certificates if applicable.

How to Preserve Your $100 Notes

To maintain your 2020 $100 notes in pristine condition, follow these best practices:

• Store in Mylar or Acid-Free Sleeves.

• Avoid Folding or Handling Bare-Handed.

• Keep in Cool, Dry Conditions to avoid polymer curling.

• Catalog and Photograph each note to record its serial and condition.

Even modern polymer notes can degrade over time if improperly stored.

Fun Facts About the 2020 $100 Note

• The tactile feature was designed in collaboration with vision-impaired Australians.

• It takes 7.5 years on average for a $100 note to return to the RBA.

• Each note is printed at the Note Printing Australia (NPA) facility in Victoria.

• The NGB series has now updated all major denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the 2020 $100 note still legal tender?
✅ Yes. It’s currently the standard $100 note in circulation across Australia.

Q2: How do I check if my $100 note is rare?
🔎 Look at the serial number, prefix, and whether the note is in mint or uncirculated condition.

Q3: Can I still use old $100 notes?
✅ Yes. All previous $100 notes remain legal tender, though older versions are rarely seen in circulation.

Q4: Are polymer banknotes more durable?
Yes, polymer notes can last 3–5 times longer than paper banknotes and are highly resistant to damage.

Final Thoughts

The 2020 Australian $100 banknote isn’t just a high-denomination currency — it’s a collectible piece of modern history. Whether you’re a numismatist, casual collector, or investor, this note offers opportunities for both aesthetic appreciation and financial gain. With rare serial numbers and pristine condition notes selling for hundreds of dollars above face value, keeping an eye on your $100 notes could truly pay off.

Keep tracking market trends, engage with collector forums, and consider professionally grading your notes for maximum resale potential.

List of FAQs About the 2020 Australian $100 Note: History, Design, Serial Numbers, and Collector Value

The 2020 Australian $100 note is one of the most advanced, secure, and visually striking banknotes in the world. As Australia’s highest circulating denomination, it plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy while also attracting growing interest from banknote collectors, investors, and numismatists.

This comprehensive FAQ-style guide explores everything you need to know about the 2020 Australian $100 note, including its history, design elements, security features, serial numbers, printing details, errors, rarity, and collector value. Whether you’re a curious Australian, a beginner collector, or a serious investor, this article will help you understand why this note matters—and how valuable it could be.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Australian $100 Note

1. What is the 2020 Australian $100 note?

The 2020 Australian $100 note is the latest version of Australia’s highest-denomination circulating banknote. It belongs to the Next Generation Banknote (NGB) series, produced by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) using advanced polymer technology.

Released into circulation in October 2020, the note combines cutting-edge security features, modern design, and cultural symbolism to combat counterfeiting while ensuring durability.

2. When was the 2020 Australian $100 note released?

The note officially entered circulation on 29 October 2020. Its release marked the completion of the Next Generation Banknote series, which replaced older designs across all denominations.

Despite the global challenges of 2020, including reduced cash usage due to the pandemic, the $100 note quickly became a significant part of Australia’s cash economy.

3. Who appears on the 2020 Australian $100 note?

The 2020 $100 note features two of Australia’s most influential historical figures:

• Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) – World-famous opera singer

• Sir John Monash (1865–1931) – Military commander, engineer, and civic leader

Both individuals made extraordinary contributions to Australian culture, leadership, and global recognition.

4. Why were Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash chosen?

The RBA selected these figures to represent artistic excellence and national leadership:

• Dame Nellie Melba symbolizes Australia’s cultural influence on the global stage

• Sir John Monash represents innovation, strategic brilliance, and service to the nation

Their pairing reflects a balance between creative achievement and intellectual leadership.

5. What material is the 2020 Australian $100 note made from?

The note is printed on polymer (plastic), a technology pioneered by Australia. Polymer banknotes offer several advantages:

• Longer lifespan than paper notes

• Greater resistance to moisture and dirt

• Highly advanced security features

• Reduced counterfeiting

Australia has been a global leader in polymer banknote innovation since 1988.

6. What are the main design features of the 2020 $100 note?

Key design elements include:

• Portraits of Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash

• Golden wattle motifs (Australia’s national flower)

• Architectural and cultural imagery linked to both figures

• A dynamic colour palette dominated by green and gold tones

The design reflects both heritage and modern Australian identity.

7. What are the security features of the 2020 Australian $100 note?

The 2020 $100 note contains some of the world’s most sophisticated anti-counterfeiting features, including:

• Top-to-bottom transparent security window

• Rolling colour effects

• Microprinted text visible under magnification

• Raised tactile elements for the vision-impaired

• UV fluorescence features

• Complex shadow imagery

These features make the note extremely difficult to counterfeit.

8. How can you check if a 2020 Australian $100 note is genuine?

You can verify authenticity using the “Feel, Look, Tilt” method:

• Feel the raised print and texture

• Look through the transparent window

• Tilt the note to observe colour changes and movement

Genuine polymer notes respond clearly to all three tests.

9. What colour is the 2020 Australian $100 note?

The note primarily features green, with subtle blends of gold, blue, and yellow. Each Australian denomination uses a distinct colour to assist with quick identification and accessibility.

10. What are serial numbers on the 2020 $100 note?

Every 2020 Australian $100 note carries two serial numbers, printed in black ink. These serial numbers are crucial for:

• Tracking production batches

• Identifying rare or collectible notes

• Detecting printing errors

Serial numbers follow a structured prefix-and-number format.

11. What do the serial number prefixes mean?

Serial number prefixes usually consist of two letters, followed by a unique numeric sequence. The prefix indicates:

• The printing batch

• Production sequence

• Sometimes the printing facility

Early prefixes from the first print runs are often more desirable to collectors.

12. Are low serial numbers valuable?

Yes. Low serial numbers are highly sought after by collectors. Examples include:

• 00000001

• 00000010

• 00000100

Notes with extremely low serial numbers can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on condition.

13. What are radar serial numbers?

A radar serial number reads the same forwards and backwards, such as:

• 12344321

• 200002

Radar notes are considered novelty collectibles and often sell at a premium.

14. What are repeater serial numbers?

Repeater serial numbers contain repeating patterns, such as:

• 12121212

• 56565656

These patterns attract collectors who specialize in serial-number-based banknote collecting.

15. Are solid serial numbers rare?

Yes. Solid serial numbers (e.g., 77777777 or 00000000) are extremely rare and can fetch very high prices on the secondary market, especially in uncirculated condition.

16. Are there known printing errors on the 2020 $100 note?

While rare, some errors have been reported, including:

• Misaligned printing

• Off-centre serial numbers

• Ink smudging

• Folding or cutting errors

Genuine errors significantly increase collector value.

17. How much is a regular 2020 $100 note worth?

In everyday condition, the note is worth face value: $100 AUD. However, collectible factors can increase value significantly.

18. What increases the collector value of the 2020 $100 note?

Key value drivers include:

• Uncirculated condition

• Rare serial numbers

• First or early prefixes

• Printing errors

• Consecutive note sets

The better the condition, the higher the premium.

19. How much can a rare 2020 $100 note be worth?

Approximate collector values:

• Uncirculated standard note: $120–$180

• Low serial number note: $300–$1,500+

• Error notes: $500–$5,000+

• Special serial patterns: $250–$2,000+

Prices vary depending on demand and rarity.

20. Is the 2020 Australian $100 note good for investment?

Yes, particularly for long-term collectors. As circulation declines and pristine notes become scarcer, high-grade examples may appreciate steadily.

21. Should the 2020 $100 note be kept in circulation or stored?

Collectors should store valuable notes properly. Circulated notes are fine for everyday use, but collectible notes should be preserved carefully.

22. How should you store a 2020 $100 note?

Best storage practices include:

• Acid-free banknote sleeves

• Cool, dry environment

• Avoid folding or handling excessively

• Store away from direct sunlight

Proper storage protects value and condition.

23. Can the 2020 Australian $100 note be demonetised?

There is no indication that the note will be demonetised. Polymer notes remain legal tender for many decades, even after newer designs are released.

24. Is the 2020 $100 note rare?

The note itself is not rare, but specific serial numbers, errors, and uncirculated examples can be rare and valuable.

25. Where can collectors buy or sell the 2020 $100 note?

Collectors typically use:

• Online auction platforms

• Numismatic dealers

• Coin and banknote shows

• Collector forums

Professional grading can further increase market confidence.

26. How is the 2020 $100 note graded?

Banknotes are graded based on:

• Crispness

• Colour brightness

• Absence of folds or marks

• Overall eye appeal

Grades range from Poor to Uncirculated (UNC).

27. Is the 2020 $100 note popular internationally?

Yes. Australian polymer banknotes are admired worldwide for their innovation, and the $100 note is often collected by international banknote enthusiasts.

28. How does the 2020 $100 note compare to older versions?

Compared to earlier $100 notes, the 2020 version offers:

• Superior security

• Improved accessibility features

• Longer lifespan

• Modern design aesthetics

It represents the pinnacle of Australian banknote technology.

29. Will the 2020 Australian $100 note increase in value over time?

High-quality examples with desirable features are likely to increase in value gradually, especially as fewer pristine notes remain in circulation.

30. Why is the 2020 Australian $100 note important?

The 2020 Australian $100 note represents:

• Australia’s leadership in polymer currency

• National pride and cultural heritage

• Advanced anti-counterfeiting technology

• Growing interest among collectors and investors

It is both a functional currency and a modern collectible.

Final Thoughts

The 2020 Australian $100 note is far more than a piece of money—it is a technological achievement, a tribute to Australian excellence, and an increasingly popular collectible. While most notes remain at face value, those with rare serial numbers, pristine condition, or printing errors can command impressive premiums.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, understanding the history, design, and value of this remarkable banknote is the key to recognising its true worth.

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