1 Australian Pound (1936 Issue)

The 1 Australian Pound banknote issued in 1936 forms part of Australia’s interwar pre-decimal currency system, printed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. This issue represents a refined variation within the King George V series, retaining the formal engraved style typical of early 20th-century Commonwealth banknotes. The design emphasises clarity, authority, and security through balanced layout, fine line engraving, and restrained colour.

On the front of the banknote appears a portrait of King George V at the right side within an oval frame, engraved with detailed shading to define the facial features and uniform. Across the upper centre runs the inscription Commonwealth of Australia, beneath which the legal tender promise is written in formal script. The denomination “ONE POUND” appears prominently within the central panel and again in each corner for clear identification. A large blank watermark panel sits on the left, serving as the principal security feature, while serial numbers are printed on both sides of the centre. The surrounding background contains tightly packed guilloché patterns and ornamental borders designed to deter reproduction.

The reverse (not shown here) follows the pastoral theme used across contemporary pound notes of the period, featuring an agricultural vignette framed by intricate engraved patterns in a single-colour palette. Like other issues of the era, the note relies on engraving precision rather than colour variation to achieve both durability and counterfeit resistance.

As a withdrawn pre-decimal currency, the 1 Australian Pound (1936) is no longer accepted by banks or standard exchange bureaux and is commonly found in inherited collections or long-kept documentation. If you would like a straightforward way to exchange leftover currency, our UK-based service provides a simple 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

Older overseas denominations such as Australian pounds sit outside modern banking systems and are usually declined by high-street providers. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, offering a trusted and secure route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds instead of leaving them unused.