10 Australian Shillings (1953 – 1960 Series)

The 10 Australian Shillings banknote issued between 1953 and 1960 forms part of Australia’s final pre-decimal currency series prior to the introduction of the Australian dollar in 1966. This issue marked the beginning of the Elizabeth II era in Australian paper money and was printed by the Note Printing Branch of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Equal to half a pound, the denomination was widely used in everyday commerce during the 1950s and early 1960s.

On the front of the banknote appears a portrait of Matthew Flinders, the British navigator and cartographer who circumnavigated and charted much of Australia’s coastline. His engraved profile is positioned at the right within an oval frame. The inscription ‘Commonwealth of Australia’ runs prominently across the top, while the denomination ‘Ten Shillings’ appears clearly in the centre. The Australian Coat of Arms is displayed at the lower left, and serial numbers are printed in matching positions across the upper field. Ornate borders and detailed guilloché patterning surround the central text, creating both visual balance and anti-counterfeit protection.

The reverse features an engraved depiction of Parliament House in Canberra, symbolising Australia’s federal government and national identity. The building is rendered in fine line detail across the centre, framed by decorative panels displaying “1/2” and “10/-” to indicate the half-sovereign value. The red-brown monochrome palette enhances engraving clarity while maintaining the formal tone characteristic of mid-century Commonwealth notes.

As a withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 10 Australian Shillings (1953–1960) is no longer accepted by banks or high-street exchange bureaux and is often discovered in inherited collections, old paperwork, or long-held savings.

If you would like to exchange leftover currency, our UK-based service provides a straightforward way to process historic foreign banknotes.

• 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

Pre-decimal Australian denominations sit outside modern banking clearing systems, meaning traditional exchange providers will not process them. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, offering a secure and trusted route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds rather than leaving them stored or unusable.