Australian Ten Cents

Between 1966 and 1984 the obverse portrait shows a young profile of Queen Elizabeth designed by Arnold Machin. In 1985, this was replaced by a new effigy with a more pronounced crown, designed by Raphael Maklouf. A mature portrait of the Queen, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, was introduced in 1999.

Click for 1966 - 1984 Australian Ten Cents Click for 1985 - 1998 Australian Ten Cents Click for 1999 - Present Australian Ten Cents

 

Notes:

See the Australian Decimal Coinage article for more information.

Stuart Devlin's reverse design depicts a male lyrebird, masked by his filamentary feathers, thread-like feelers and magnificent 75cm tail plumes, the latter giving the bird its name. Lyrebirds are found in bushland from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. The artistic design shows the number 10, in figures 8mm high, superimposed on the tail feathers above and to the left of the bird's head with the designer's initials, SD, to the right of the bird's feet.

Mint Rolls contain 40 coins. In later years, strong plastic bags containing $100 (1,000 coins) were more commonly used for transport.

Known Undated Varieties & Errors:

 
Double Reverse
Reverse design struck on both sides of the coin. It is unlikely that this is an 'error' specimen - it is more likely the result of unauthorised use of the mint's coin press and dies. An uncirculated specimen sold for around $5,000 in 1980.

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