Complete List & Value Guide of the 100 Pound Note Australia – History, Design, Prices, and Collector’s Rarity (2025 Update)

The 100 Pound note in Australia is one of the rarest and most prestigious pieces of Australian currency history. Issued during the pre-decimal era from 1910 until 1966, these high-denomination notes were never part of everyday spending for the average citizen. Instead, they were used primarily for large-scale commercial transactions and inter-bank settlements.

Today, 100 Pound notes are highly sought-after by collectors, with prices reaching tens of thousands of dollars at auction, especially for early issues in pristine condition. In this detailed guide, we will cover:

• The history of the 100 Pound note in Australia

• Complete list of issues by year

• Price and value estimates in 2025

• Design features and security details

• How to identify genuine notes

• Buying and selling tips for collectors

1. History of the 100 Pound Note in Australia

The Australian pre-decimal currency system was based on pounds, shillings, and pence, with £1 = 20 shillings and 1 shilling = 12 pence. The 100 Pound note was the highest denomination issued for public use.

• First Issuance: 1910 by the Commonwealth of Australia

• Purpose: Large business payments, bank-to-bank transfers, and high-value transactions

• Withdrawal: Discontinued in 1966 when Australia introduced the decimal system, replacing £100 with AUD $200 in face value

• Rarity: Few survived due to low circulation and most being redeemed during currency changes

2. Design & Security Features

Early Designs (1910–1930s)

• Front: Australian Coat of Arms, allegorical figures, ornate patterns

• Back: Complex geometric designs to deter counterfeiting

• Watermark: Coat of Arms or a profile of a ruling monarch

Later Designs (1940s–1960s)

• Portraits of influential Australians

• More advanced printing techniques

• Intricate border work and guilloche patterns

Size: Larger than today’s banknotes, making them visually striking
Material: High-grade cotton-based paper for durability

3. Complete List of Australian 100 Pound Notes with Values (2025 Estimates)

Note: Prices are for 2025 market trends and depend on condition, serial numbers, printing variations, and demand. “Star” replacement notes and low serials fetch higher values.

4. Factors Influencing 100 Pound Note Value

1. Condition (Grade) – From poor to uncirculated, grading directly impacts price.

2. Rarity – Limited print runs or low survival rates increase value.

3. Serial Numbers – Unique or low serials, such as “000001,” are premium.

4. Historical Significance – Notes from notable economic eras are more collectible.

5. Market Demand – Popularity among collectors can push prices higher.

5. How to Identify an Authentic 100 Pound Note

• Check Watermarks – Genuine notes feature detailed watermarks visible under light.

• Examine Printing Quality – Crisp, fine lines and complex patterns are signs of authenticity.

• Paper Feel – Old cotton-based paper feels distinct compared to modern polymer notes.

• Seek Professional Grading – Services like PMG and PCGS Banknote provide certification.

6. Where to Buy or Sell a 100 Pound Note

• Reputable Auction Houses: Noble Numismatics, Downies, Stack’s Bowers

• Online Collectible Platforms: eBay, Collectors.com, Heritage Auctions

• Specialist Banknote Dealers: Well-known numismatic businesses in Australia

• Coin & Banknote Shows: Annual exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Tip: Always authenticate notes before purchase and keep receipts for provenance.

7. 2025 Market Trends for 100 Pound Notes

The value of high-grade pre-decimal notes has consistently risen over the last decade. In 2025, collectors are particularly interested in early-issue (1910–1932) notes in uncirculated condition, pushing auction prices beyond previous records.

• Steady Growth: 8–12% annual increase in top-quality notes

• Strong Demand: Driven by nostalgia and investment interest

• Limited Supply: Most surviving notes are in poor condition, making pristine examples extremely valuable

8. Collector Tips for 100 Pound Notes

• Store notes in acid-free sleeves away from light and moisture.

• Avoid folding or handling with bare hands to prevent oil transfer.

• Stay updated on auction results to track market trends.

• Join numismatic forums and collector clubs for networking.

Final Word

The Australian 100 Pound note is more than just old money – it’s a symbol of history, commerce, and rarity. Whether you’re an investor, collector, or history enthusiast, these notes offer both financial and cultural value. By understanding their history, identifying rare varieties, and following market trends, you can make informed decisions in 2025 and beyond.

List of FAQs About the 100 Pound Note Australia

History, Design, Prices, and Collector’s Rarity (2026 Update)

The Australian £100 (100 Pound) note is one of the rarest and most elusive pieces of Australian pre-decimal currency. Issued during the era when Australia used the British pound system (£/s/d), the £100 note was never intended for everyday use. Instead, it functioned as a high-value banking instrument, used primarily by financial institutions, government bodies, and major commercial entities.

Today, the 100 Pound note from Australia is regarded as a holy grail among banknote collectors, commanding exceptional prices at auction and holding immense historical significance. This 2026-updated FAQ guide explores the note’s origins, designs, denominations, scarcity, prices, and long-term collector value.

1. What Is the Australian £100 Note?

The Australian £100 note is a pre-decimal banknote issued before Australia adopted the dollar system in 1966. At the time, £100 represented an extraordinarily large sum of money, equivalent to many years of wages for the average Australian.

2. Did Australia Really Issue a 100 Pound Note?

Yes.
Australia did issue £100 banknotes, though in extremely limited quantities. These notes were never common in circulation and were primarily used for:

• Inter-bank transfers

• Large commercial settlements

• Government and treasury transactions

3. When Was the £100 Note Issued in Australia?

Australian £100 notes were issued primarily during the early 20th century, particularly:

• 1914–1930s

• During the Commonwealth Bank of Australia era

No £100 notes were issued close to decimalisation due to declining need.

4. Why Was the £100 Denomination Created?

The £100 denomination existed to:

• Facilitate large financial transactions

• Reduce the need for bulk handling of smaller notes

• Support banking and treasury operations

• Serve as reserve instruments

It was never designed for everyday spending.

5. Who Issued Australian £100 Banknotes?

Known issuers include:

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia

• Earlier colonial or transitional banking authorities

All legitimate £100 notes were government-backed, not private bank issues.

6. What Did the 100 Pound Note Look Like?

The Australian £100 note followed the classic engraved banknote style of the era.

Typical Visual Characteristics:

• Large horizontal format

• Ornate borders

• Formal serif lettering

• Prominent denomination numerals

• Authorised signatures

Portraits were minimal or absent compared to later notes.

7. Design Features Explained

Design elements focused on:

• Authority and trust

• Complexity to deter forgery

• Clear denomination visibility

• Institutional presentation

Aesthetic beauty was secondary to financial legitimacy.

8. Size, Colour, and Materials

• Material: High-quality cotton-based paper

• Colours: Dark green, black, brown, or blue tones

• Size: Larger than modern banknotes

• Printing: Intaglio and letterpress techniques

9. Was the £100 Note Used by the Public?

In practice, no.

The £100 note was:

• Rarely seen outside banks

• Unavailable through normal retail banking

• Held mainly in vaults

Most Australians never saw one in their lifetime.

10. How Rare Is the Australian £100 Note?

The Australian £100 note is considered:

• Extremely rare

• Among the rarest Australian banknotes ever issued

Only a handful of examples are known to exist today.

11. Known Series and Issuing Banks

Known notes include:

• Commonwealth Bank issues

• Early Commonwealth paper money series

Each series has distinct serial formats and signatures.

12. Signature Combinations and Varieties

Collector value increases significantly based on:

• Governor and Treasurer signatures

• Early issue combinations

• Short-lived signatory pairings

Some combinations are known in single-digit surviving numbers.

13. Security Features of the Era

Security features included:

• Complex engraving

• Guilloche patterns

• Serial numbering

• Special paper watermarks

Despite this, large notes were often kept securely, reducing wear.

14. Surviving Examples Today

Most surviving £100 notes are:

• Held in museums

• Locked in private collections

• Appearing rarely at international auctions

Public sales are exceptionally rare events.

15. Circulated vs Uncirculated £100 Notes

True uncirculated examples are museum-level rarities.

16. Banknote Grading Explained

Professional grading considers:

• Paper integrity

• Colour brightness

• Fold count

• Edge wear

• Pinholes and repairs

Even low-grade £100 notes command massive premiums.

17. Price History and Auction Records

Recorded auction results show:

• Strong upward trend over decades

• Limited supply driving prices

• Fierce bidding among elite collectors

Some examples have sold for six-figure sums.

18. Australian £100 Note Price Chart (2026)

19. What Makes a £100 Note More Valuable?

Key value drivers:

• Authenticity

• Condition

• Rarity of series

• Signature combinations

• Provenance

• Auction history

20. Counterfeits and Reproductions

Due to high value:

• Reproductions exist

• Facsimiles are sometimes misrepresented

Always verify through:

• Professional graders

• Reputable auction houses

• Historical documentation

21. Legal Tender Status Today

Australian £100 notes are no longer legal tender, having been replaced by the dollar system in 1966. Their value today is entirely numismatic.

22. Storage and Preservation Tips

For owners:

• Climate-controlled storage

• Acid-free archival holders

• No folding or pressing

• Professional conservation only

23. Is the £100 Note a Good Investment?

For elite collectors and institutions:

• Yes, exceptionally strong

• Low volatility

• Limited supply

• Strong historical importance

However, entry costs are extremely high.

24. Comparison With Other High-Value Australian Notes

25. Common Myths and Misconceptions

❌ “Australia never had a £100 note”
❌ “They were widely circulated”
❌ “Only collectors value them”

All false.

26. FAQs (Quick Answers)

Q: Is the Australian £100 note the rarest banknote?
A: It is among the rarest ever issued.

Q: Can I find one in circulation?
A: No—only museums or private collections.

Q: Are reproductions valuable?
A: No, unless clearly marked and sold as replicas.

27. Final Thoughts

The Australian £100 Pound note represents the absolute pinnacle of Australian pre-decimal banknote collecting. Its rarity, historical importance, and elite collector demand make it one of the most valuable paper currencies Australia has ever produced. As of 2026, its status remains unmatched—an artifact of a financial era that will never return.

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