1 Australian Pound (1933 – 1939 Series)

The 1 Australian Pound banknote issued between 1933 and 1939 belongs to Australia’s interwar pre-decimal currency series, printed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. This issue retains the traditional engraved banknote style of the early 20th century, combining formal typography, dense guilloché security patterns, and agricultural symbolism to reflect national identity and economic stability during the period.

On the front of the banknote appears a portrait of King George V at the right-hand side, framed within an ornate oval cartouche. The inscription Commonwealth of Australia arches across the upper centre, with the legal tender promise printed prominently in flowing script beneath. The denomination “ONE POUND” is repeated across the design within decorative panels, while serial numbers appear on either side of the central text. A large blank watermark panel occupies the left portion of the note, serving as the principal anti-counterfeit feature. The surrounding borders are filled with intricate line engraving and repeating geometric motifs typical of the era’s security printing techniques.

The reverse presents a pastoral agricultural scene showing a rural worker tending sheep beneath trees in a countryside landscape. The figures and animals are rendered in fine engraved detail, surrounded by an elaborate patterned border. The green monochrome colour palette emphasises linework rather than colour contrast, reinforcing both durability in circulation and resistance to reproduction.

As a withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 1 Australian Pound (1933–1939) is no longer accepted by banks or high-street exchange bureaux and is often discovered in inherited collections or historic paperwork. If you would like to exchange foreign coins and notes, our UK-based service offers a practical alternative.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Australian Pound banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Banks and currency bureaux typically cannot process historic overseas banknotes due to withdrawal status and clearing restrictions. We specialise in exchanging leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, providing a trusted route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds securely and efficiently instead of leaving them unused.