10 Australian Shillings (1913 – 1924 Series)

The 10 Australian Shillings banknote issued between 1913 and 1924 belongs to the first Commonwealth national currency introduced after federation replaced colonial bank issues. Equal to half a pound, this denomination circulated widely in daily transactions and became one of the most recognisable early Australian notes. Printed by the Australian Note Printing Branch, it combines practical usability with intricate engraving typical of early twentieth-century government currency.

On the front of the banknote, the heading Commonwealth of Australia Australian Note appears prominently above the formal promise to pay the bearer ten shillings in gold coin on demand at the Treasury. At the left sits the Australian Coat of Arms within an oval medallion, while at the right a matching panel displays the value Ten Shillings. Red serial numbers are printed across the upper field, and official signatures appear along the lower margin. The background is filled with dense guilloché patterning in layered blue and green tones designed to prevent counterfeiting and ensure durability in circulation.

The reverse presents a detailed engraved dam scene framed within ornate scrollwork. Water cascades across the structure into a river below, surrounded by trees and landscape elements rendered in fine tonal shading. The denomination is repeated within decorative side panels, and a repeating patterned text background adds an additional security layer. The balanced layout and fine line engraving reflect the craftsmanship of early Commonwealth banknote printing.

As a withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 10 Australian Shillings (1913–1924) is no longer accepted by banks or currency exchange bureaux and is commonly found in inherited documents or historic collections. If you want to exchange foreign coins and notes, our UK-based service provides a straightforward option.

• Indicate the quantity of 10 Australian Shilling banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Many early overseas banknotes cannot be handled by high-street exchanges because they sit outside modern clearing systems. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, providing a trusted route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds securely rather than leaving them stored without value.