The Australian ten‑cent coin (₧) is a denomination of the decimal currency of Australia, equal to one‑tenth of an Australian dollar (AUD 0.10). It has been issued continuously since the introduction of decimalisation on 14 February 1966, when the Australian pound was replaced by the Australian dollar.
Physical characteristics
- Composition: Cupronickel (75 % copper, 25 % nickel) – the same alloy used for the five‑cent coin.
- Diameter: 19.41 mm (0.764 in).
- Thickness: 1.30 mm (0.051 in).
- Mass: 5.67 g (0.20 oz).
- Edge: Plain, smooth.
Obverse design
The obverse (front) bears the effigy of the reigning British monarch as Head of State, accompanied by the legend “AUSTRALIA”. Since 1966 the coin has featured the following monarchs:
- Queen Elizabeth II (1966–2022) – several portrait variations designed by Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, and Ian Rank-Broadley.
- King Charles III (2023–present) – portrait designed by Jody Clark, first issued in 2023.
Reverse design
The reverse (back) consistently displays the Australian Coat of Arms, surrounded by the legend “TEN CENTS”. The initial design, created by Stuart Devlin, was used from 1966 to 2016. In 2016 the reverse was updated to a slightly altered rendering of the Coat of Arms, with a more prominent Commonwealth Star and a refined shield pattern.
Mintage and production
The ten‑cent coin is struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, with supplemental production at the Perth Mint and the Melbourne Mint (the latter until its closure in 2012). Annual mintage figures vary, ranging from a low of approximately 2 million pieces in years of low demand (e.g., 1991) to over 50 million in periods of high circulation (e.g., 2015). As of the 2020s, the coin remains in regular circulation and is also produced for collectors’ sets and commemorative issues, though no special‑edition designs have been released for the ten‑cent denomination.
Legal tender status
Under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the ten‑cent coin is legal tender for any amount not exceeding ten Australian dollars. It is accepted for payment of goods and services throughout Australia and in territories where Australian currency is legal.
Circulatory usage
The ten‑cent coin is one of the most frequently used denominations in everyday transactions, commonly employed in retail pricing, public transport fares, and vending machines. Its durability, due to the cupronickel composition, ensures long‑term serviceability in high‑volume circulation.
Design symbolism
The Coat of Arms on the reverse symbolizes the federation of the six Australian states (the shield) and the unity of the nation (the Commonwealth Star). The presence of the reigning monarch on the obverse reflects Australia’s constitutional monarchy and its status as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Collectibility
While standard circulation issues are not considered rare, certain dated obverse portrait varieties, low‑mintage years, and proof‑quality specimens are sought after by numismatists. The coin also appears in commemorative sets that celebrate national events, such as royal jubilees or anniversaries of Australian federation.
Recent developments
No substantive changes to the coin’s specifications have been announced as of 2024. The Royal Australian Mint continues to monitor demand and may adjust production volumes in response to shifts in cash usage patterns.