Complete Guide to Australia’s New $100 Banknote – Full List, History, Designs, Prices & Collector Value (Updated 2026)

The Australian $100 banknote is the highest denomination in circulation and a fascinating blend of history, security technology, and art. The new polymer $100 note, part of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Next Generation Banknote program, has brought advanced features to fight counterfeiting while retaining Australia’s rich cultural heritage on its design.

This comprehensive guide covers the full list of $100 notes, their history, design changes, serial number variations, price ranges, and collector value — so you know exactly what you have in your wallet or collection.

1. History of the Australian $100 Banknote

1984 – First Paper $100 Note

• Introduced to meet the demand for higher-value transactions.

• Featured Sir Douglas Mawson (front) and Dame Nellie Melba (back).

• Printed on paper with basic security features.

1996 – Polymer Revolution

• Australia became the first country to convert its $100 note to polymer plastic.

• Improved durability, water resistance, and anti-counterfeiting measures.

2019 – Next Generation $100 Note

• Launched with enhanced security features including tactile markers and a transparent window.

• Portraits updated for clarity but retained Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash.

• Official circulation began 29 October 2020.

2. Design Details of the New $100 Banknote

The latest $100 note celebrates two iconic Australians:

• Front: Dame Nellie Melba – Internationally acclaimed opera singer.

• Back: Sir John Monash – Distinguished engineer and WWI military commander.

Key Features:

• Polymer Material: Flexible, waterproof, and long-lasting.

• Transparent Top-to-Bottom Window: Contains elements such as a flying bird, building patterns, and numbers that change colour when tilted.

• Tactile Features: Raised dots for visually impaired users.

• Microprinting: Tiny text with excerpts from speeches and documents.

• Rolling Colour Effect: Numerals shift colour at different angles.

Dimensions: 158 mm (length) × 65 mm (width)

3. Complete List of $100 Notes by Year & Prefix

4. Current Value & Price Guide for Collectors (2025)

While most $100 notes are worth exactly $100 AUD, some carry premium value based on rarity and condition.

Face Value vs. Collector Value:

• Circulated Standard Notes: $100 AUD

• Uncirculated New Series (2019+): $120–$150 AUD

• First Prefix (AA19, AA20, AA21): $300+ AUD

• Last Prefix (EA): $250+ AUD

• Special Serial Numbers: $400–$1,000+ AUD

• Printing Errors: $500–$2,500+ AUD

5. Factors That Increase a $100 Note’s Value

1. Condition (Grade)

   • Uncirculated = Highest value

   • Crisp & clean = More desirable to collectors

2. Serial Number Patterns

   • Repeated digits: 777777, 111111

   • Sequential runs: 123456

   • Radar numbers: 456654

3. First & Last Prefixes

   • First printed batch (“AA”) or last batch (“EA”) from a series.

4. Printing Errors

   • Ink smudges, missing print, misaligned elements.

6. How to Spot a Fake $100 Note

The Reserve Bank of Australia recommends checking:

• Clear Window Designs – Should have crisp, sharp edges.

• Colour-Shifting Numbers – Tilt the note and observe numeral colour changes.

• Raised Ink Printing – Portraits and numerals feel textured.

• UV Light Test – Certain patterns glow under ultraviolet light.

7. How to Preserve Collectible $100 Notes

To maintain maximum value:

• Store in acid-free sleeves or albums.

• Avoid folding or creasing.

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

• Handle with clean hands or gloves.

8. Selling & Buying $100 Notes

Where to Sell:

• Auction sites (eBay, Noble Numismatics)

• Banknote dealers and coin shops

• Numismatic expos and fairs

• Online collector communities

Where to Buy:

• RBA-approved coin dealers

• Specialist currency retailers

• Auction houses

9. Interesting Facts About the Australian $100 Note

• It’s the largest Australian banknote in size.

• One of the most counterfeited notes despite high security.

• Dame Nellie Melba is the only opera singer featured on any Australian currency.

List of FAQs About Australia’s New $100 Banknote

Full List, History, Designs, Prices & Collector Value (Updated 2026)

Australia’s new $100 banknote stands at the top of the nation’s currency system—not just in face value, but in design sophistication, security innovation, and collector demand. Introduced as part of the Next Generation Banknote (NGB) series, the modern $100 note reflects Australia’s leadership in polymer banknote technology and anti-counterfeiting measures.

As of 2026, collector interest in Australia’s new $100 note has grown significantly, driven by rare serial numbers, printing variations, error notes, and pristine uncirculated examples. This in-depth FAQ guide answers everything you need to know—from history and design to market prices and long-term value potential.

1. What Is Australia’s New $100 Banknote?

Australia’s new $100 banknote is the highest-denomination polymer note issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) under the Next Generation Banknote series. It combines advanced security, durability, and national symbolism, making it one of the most technologically advanced banknotes in the world.

2. When Was the New $100 Note Introduced?

The redesigned $100 banknote was officially released in October 2020, with ongoing print runs continuing through 2021, 2022, and beyond. Notes commonly referred to as “new $100 banknotes” include all NGB-series issues currently in circulation as of 2026.

3. Why Was the $100 Note Redesigned?

The redesign aimed to:

• Combat sophisticated counterfeiting

• Improve durability

• Enhance machine readability

• Assist the visually impaired

• Maintain Australia’s global leadership in currency technology

4. Who Appears on the $100 Banknote?

Obverse (Front)

• Dame Nellie Melba
  One of the world’s most celebrated opera singers and a symbol of Australian cultural excellence.

Reverse (Back)

• Sir John Monash
  Renowned military commander, engineer, and national leader.

5. What Material Is the New $100 Note Made From?

The note is made from polymer (plastic), specifically:

• Biaxially-oriented polypropylene

Benefits include:

• Waterproof and tear-resistant

• Long lifespan (up to 5× longer than paper)

• Cleaner circulation

• Superior security integration

6. What Colours and Themes Are Used?

• Dominant colours: Gold, green, and yellow

• Musical motifs representing Melba

• Military and architectural symbolism linked to Monash

• Australian native design elements

7. Design Elements Explained in Detail

Key artistic and functional elements include:

• Portrait engraving with micro-detail

• Musical notation microtext

• Architectural references to Monash’s achievements

• Flowing patterns that integrate security technology seamlessly

8. Full List of Security Features

Australia’s new $100 note is considered among the world’s most secure banknotes.

Key Security Features:

• Large transparent window

• Flying number hologram

• Rolling colour effects

• Micro-printed text

• Raised tactile ink

• UV fluorescent elements

• Shadow images

• Anti-scan and anti-copy features

9. How Does the New $100 Note Differ From Older Versions?

10. How to Check If a $100 Note Is Genuine

Use the Feel, Look, Tilt method:

• Feel raised print

• Look through the clear window

• Tilt to see colour movement and animation

11. What Serial Numbers Are Collectible?

Collectors look for:

• Low serial numbers

• Repeating numbers

• Radar (palindrome) serials

• Binary serials

• Solid serial numbers

• Replacement notes

12. Rare Serial Numbers and Their Meanings

13. Replacement (Star) Notes Explained

Replacement notes are issued to replace damaged notes during printing. These are:

• Scarcer than regular notes

• Popular with collectors

• Often worth 2–6× face value

14. Error Notes and Printing Mistakes

Examples include:

• Missing serial numbers

• Misaligned windows

• Ink smears

• Fold-over errors

• Double prints

Major errors can sell for thousands of dollars.

15. Circulated vs Uncirculated Notes

16. Banknote Grading System Explained

Professional grading uses a 70-point scale:

• MS-63: Choice UNC

• MS-65+: Premium

• MS-70: Virtually flawless

17. Current Prices and Market Value (2026)

18. Collector Price Chart (2026)

19. Is Australia’s New $100 Note a Good Investment?

Yes—particularly for:

• Uncirculated notes

• Rare serial numbers

• Error notes

• Professionally graded examples

Polymer banknotes age exceptionally well.

20. How Rare Is the New $100 Banknote?

While standard circulation notes are common, high-grade and specialty examples are scarce and increasingly difficult to source.

21. Legal Tender Status

Australia’s new $100 banknote remains legal tender indefinitely, regardless of year of issue.

22. Storage and Preservation Tips

• Store flat

• Use acid-free sleeves

• Avoid sunlight and heat

• Never laminate or fold

23. Where to Buy and Sell $100 Banknotes

• Numismatic dealers

• Auction houses

• Online collector platforms

• Coin and banknote shows

Always verify authenticity.

24. Common Myths About $100 Notes

❌ “Polymer notes don’t increase in value”
❌ “Only old notes are collectible”
❌ “Circulated notes have no value”

All false—rarity and condition matter.

25. Future Value Predictions (2026–2035)

Experts expect:

• Steady appreciation

• Rising demand for rare serials

• Strong interest in error notes

• Increased international collecting

26. FAQs (Quick Answers)

Q: Are new $100 notes rare?
A: Only specific serials and high-grade examples.

Q: Can I still use it as money?
A: Yes, but collectors advise preservation.

Q: Best year to collect?
A: Early NGB issues and low-print runs.

27. Final Conclusion

Australia’s new $100 banknote is more than everyday currency—it is a technological, cultural, and collectible asset. With cutting-edge security, iconic national figures, and growing collector demand, its value and importance continue to rise in 2026 and beyond.

Conclusion

The Australian $100 banknote is more than just the country’s highest denomination — it’s a piece of cultural heritage, a security innovation, and in some cases, a valuable collectible. By knowing the history, design features, serial number significance, and market prices, you can determine if the $100 note in your possession is worth far more than face value.

If you’re a collector, watch for uncirculated notes, first/last prefixes, rare serials, and printing errors — these are the treasures that can command thousands of dollars in today’s market.

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