The Complete List of Australia’s New $100 Notes: History, Price, and Value Explained

Australia’s $100 note is not just a piece of currency — it’s a symbol of the nation’s heritage, technological innovation, and economic stability. Since its initial release, the $100 banknote has undergone multiple updates, especially with the introduction of polymer technology, making it one of the most secure and visually striking notes in the world.

This comprehensive article covers the complete list of Australia’s new $100 notes, detailing their history, design changes, market prices, and collector values. Whether you’re a currency collector, investor, or simply curious about Australia’s highest denomination note, this guide has you covered.

Overview of Australia’s $100 Note

Australia introduced the $100 note as part of its currency series in 1984, pioneering the use of polymer banknotes, a durable and counterfeit-resistant plastic material developed by the CSIRO. The $100 note is the largest denomination currently circulating and is widely used for transactions, savings, and collection.

The “new $100 notes” primarily refer to the latest polymer series, with the most recent redesign issued in October 2020, often called the Next Generation $100 Note. This updated version includes advanced security features and refreshed portraits to prevent counterfeiting and celebrate Australian culture.

Complete List of Australia’s New $100 Notes

1. The Original Polymer $100 Note (1984)

Release Year: 1984
Material: Polymer substrate
Front Portrait: Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s renowned opera singer
Back Portrait: Sir John Monash, celebrated military commander and engineer
Security Features: Basic polymer windows, fluorescent elements

2. The 1996 Revised $100 Note

Release Year: 1996
Key Updates: Introduction of tactile features for the visually impaired, improved security threads
Design Tweaks: Slight color adjustments, enhanced portraits for clarity

3. The 2016 $100 Note (First Next Gen)

Release Year: 2016
Security Improvements: Introduction of rolling color effects, enhanced microprinting
Visual Changes: Sharper portraits, updated background imagery including Australian landscapes and architecture

4. The 2020 Next Generation $100 Note

Release Year: October 2020
Security Features:
- Large clear transparent window with intricate embossing
- Raised tactile print for accessibility
- Microprint and fine line patterns
- Color shifting ink and holograms
Design Highlights: Updated portraits of Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash, detailed native flora and fauna illustrations, symbolic motifs celebrating Australian innovation and history

History Behind the $100 Note

Australia’s $100 note history is deeply intertwined with the country’s leadership in polymer banknote technology. Prior to polymer adoption, Australian notes were made from cotton paper, susceptible to wear and forgery.

1988: Introduction of polymer notes, starting with the $10 and $50 notes
1984: The $100 polymer note was released, becoming the highest denomination
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s: Continuous enhancements to security and design
2020: Next Generation notes introduced with cutting-edge anti-counterfeit tech

These notes reflect Australia’s cultural icons and scientific progress, contributing to national pride and economic security.

Price and Market Value of Australia’s New $100 Note

Face Value

The $100 note is legal tender and worth exactly 100 Australian dollars in all transactions.

Collector Value

Certain versions of the $100 note can carry premiums well above face value, depending on:

Year of issue: Early polymer notes from 1984 or limited editions are highly prized.
Condition: Uncirculated, crisp notes demand higher prices.
Serial Numbers: Unique serials (e.g., low numbers, repeated digits, palindromes) increase value.
Errors and Misprints: Production mistakes are rare and sought after by collectors.

Price Range

Common circulated notes: Typically valued at face value ($100 AUD).
Rare or uncirculated notes: Prices can range from $150 to over $1,000 AUD depending on rarity and condition.
Special collectors’ items: Notes with unique features or provenance can command even higher prices.

How to Identify Genuine New $100 Notes

To avoid counterfeits and ensure authenticity, check these features:

Polymer substrate: Clear windows and smooth plastic feel
Raised print: You can feel textured elements, especially on portraits and denomination numbers
Microprinting: Tiny text visible under magnification
Color shifting ink: Numbers or motifs that change color when tilted
Holographic images: Dynamic effects on the clear window area

Using UV light will also reveal fluorescent security threads and patterns unique to genuine notes.

Where to Buy and Sell Australian $100 Notes

Official channels: Banks and government institutions only distribute genuine notes.
Collectors’ markets: Specialized dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces like eBay.
Professional grading: For valuable notes, certification by numismatic grading services is recommended.

FAQs

Q: When was Australia’s new $100 note introduced?
A: The most recent version was released in October 2020.

Q: Who are featured on the $100 note?
A: Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash.

Q: What makes polymer notes better than paper notes?
A: They are more durable, waterproof, and harder to counterfeit.

Q: Can the $100 note be worth more than $100?
A: Yes, collectors pay premiums for rare or uncirculated notes.

List of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Australia’s New $100 Notes: History, Price, and Value Explained

Australia’s new $100 banknote represents the pinnacle of the country’s modern currency design. As the highest-value note currently in circulation, it combines cutting-edge polymer technology, advanced security features, and strong collector interest. Since its release, the new $100 note has become a focal point for collectors, investors, and everyday users alike.

This comprehensive FAQ guide explains everything you need to know about Australia’s new $100 notes, including their history, design, security features, circulation, market prices, and long-term collector value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australia’s New $100 Notes

1. What are Australia’s new $100 notes?

Australia’s new $100 notes are part of the Next Generation Banknote (NGB) series, introduced by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to replace older polymer designs with enhanced security, durability, and accessibility.

2. When were the new $100 notes released?

The new $100 note was officially released into circulation on 29 October 2020, completing the rollout of Australia’s next-generation banknote series.

3. Why did Australia redesign the $100 note?

The redesign aimed to:

Combat increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting
Improve durability in circulation
Introduce world-leading security technology
Enhance tactile features for the vision-impaired

As the highest-value circulating denomination, the $100 note required the strongest protection.

4. Who is featured on Australia’s new $100 note?

The new $100 note features two iconic Australians:

Dame Nellie Melba – World-renowned opera singer
Sir John Monash – Military commander, engineer, and national leader

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

They represent:

Australian excellence on the global stage
Leadership, innovation, and service
Cultural and historical significance

Their presence continues a legacy from earlier $100 note designs.

6. Is the new $100 note made of polymer?

Yes. Like all modern Australian banknotes, the $100 note is printed on polymer, offering:

Longer lifespan
Resistance to moisture and dirt
Advanced security integration

7. What colour is the new $100 note?

The note retains its green colour scheme, making it easily identifiable and consistent with previous $100 designs.

8. What size is the Australian $100 note?

The note measures approximately 162 mm × 65 mm, making it the largest Australian banknote by length, consistent with the graduated sizing system.

9. Is the new $100 note legal tender?

Yes. The new $100 note is legal tender across Australia and must be accepted for payments.

10. Are older $100 notes still valid?

Yes. Older $100 polymer notes remain legal tender indefinitely, unless officially withdrawn by the RBA.

11. What security features are on the new $100 note?

Major security features include:

Top-to-bottom transparent window
Three-dimensional gold rolling colour effect
Microprinted text
Raised tactile printing
UV fluorescent elements
Complex background line work

12. Why is the $100 note considered extremely secure?

The combination of optical effects, polymer windows, and microtext makes counterfeiting exceptionally difficult.

13. How can I tell if a $100 note is genuine?

Check for:

Clear, sharply defined windows
Colour movement when tilted
Raised ink textures
Precise microtext

14. How many new $100 notes are in circulation?

Exact figures change yearly, but the $100 note accounts for a significant proportion of Australia’s total cash value, despite lower physical circulation than smaller denominations.

15. Are new $100 notes collectible?

Yes. Collectibility depends on:

Condition
Serial number
Printing variety
Errors or replacements

16. What is the face value of the new $100 note?

The face value remains AUD $100, regardless of design or print year.

17. What is the collector value of a standard circulated $100 note?

Typical values:

Circulated: AUD $100–$110
Extremely Fine: AUD $120–$150
Uncirculated: AUD $150–$300

18. What factors increase the value of a $100 note?

Key value drivers include:

Uncirculated condition
Low or fancy serial numbers
Replacement notes
Printing errors

19. Are there known errors on the new $100 note?

No major publicised errors like the $50 spelling mistake have appeared, but minor printing anomalies exist and are actively collected.

20. What serial numbers are most valuable on $100 notes?

Highly desirable serials include:

Low numbers (00000001)
Solid numbers (777777)
Radar numbers (1234321)
Repeating patterns

21. Do replacement $100 notes exist?

Yes. Replacement notes, identifiable by specific prefixes, are rarer and can command significant premiums.

22. What is the highest price paid for a new $100 note?

Exceptional examples with rare serials and perfect condition have sold for several thousand Australian dollars at auction.

23. Are $100 notes commonly used in daily transactions?

Less so than smaller denominations, but they are widely used for:

Savings
Business transactions
High-value cash payments

24. Why do people hoard $100 notes?

Reasons include:

Inflation hedging
Emergency savings
Collector interest
Cultural trust in cash

25. Does inflation affect $100 note collector value?

Yes. Inflation increases interest in high-denomination currency as both a store of value and collectible asset.

26. Is the new $100 note a good investment?

High-grade examples with rare serials or replacements show strong long-term potential, especially as cash usage declines.

27. How should $100 notes be stored for collecting?

Recommended storage:

Archival-grade sleeves
Flat storage
Low humidity
Minimal handling

28. Can damaged $100 notes be valuable?

Only if damage resulted from printing or minting errors. General wear reduces value.

29. Are Australian $100 notes popular internationally?

Yes. Australia’s polymer technology is globally respected, making its notes popular with international collectors.

30. How does the new $100 note compare to older versions?

Improvements include:

Stronger security
Better tactile features
Enhanced durability
Modern visual design

31. Is the new $100 note the highest denomination ever issued in Australia?

Yes. Australia has never issued a circulating banknote higher than $100.

32. Are higher denominations planned for Australia?

Currently, there are no official plans to introduce denominations above $100.

33. Will the new $100 note increase in value over time?

While standard notes rise slowly, rare serials and pristine examples are expected to appreciate steadily.

34. Where can collectors buy or sell $100 notes?

Common platforms include:

Numismatic auctions
Licensed dealers
Collector fairs
Online auction platforms

35. What makes Australia’s new $100 note historically important?

It symbolizes:

The peak of Australian polymer technology
National leadership and cultural excellence
The future of high-security currency

Final Thoughts

Australia’s new $100 note is far more than a means of payment—it is a symbol of trust, innovation, and national identity. As the highest denomination in circulation, it holds special significance for both the economy and collectors.

For numismatists, the new $100 note offers a compelling mix of modern security, limited high-grade availability, and long-term collectible potential. As digital payments increase and physical cash becomes less common, pristine examples of Australia’s highest note are likely to become even more desirable.

Conclusion

Australia’s $100 note represents a perfect blend of history, art, and cutting-edge technology. From its first polymer introduction in 1984 to the advanced security features of the 2020 Next Generation note, it remains a fascinating object for collectors and a trusted currency for everyday use.

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