Bank of New South Wales Banknotes: 1848-1862

The Bank of New South Wales used locally produced notes throughout the 1830's and into the 1840's. A rise in the number of forged notes caused the bank to reassess its printing practices and an order was placed with the English firm of Perkins, Bacon & Petch for forgery-proof £50, £20, £10 and £5 notes. The £1 notes continued to be locally produced, as were any urgently required higher denomination notes.

Following the bank's expansion to Melbourne, notes bore the name of the colony of issue, keeping to the same general design. Locally printed notes displayed an unofficial coat of arms with a fleece, sailing ship, ox and anchor in each of the quarters. The design on the notes printed overseas showed a seated female figure holding a cornucopia with symbols of commerce and agriculture. This general design was used by the bank until 1910.

The denominations issued between 1848 and 1862 were:

  • 50 Pounds

  • 20 Pounds

  • 10 Pounds

  • 5 Pounds

  • 1 Pound

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