1000 Australian Pound (1913 – 1924 Series)

The 1000 Australian Pound banknote issued between 1913 and 1924 is one of the most exceptional denominations ever produced under the early Commonwealth “Australian Note” system. Introduced during the formative years of federally controlled currency, this high-value issue was not intended for everyday circulation. Instead, £1000 notes were primarily used for interbank settlements, government transfers, and major institutional transactions, making surviving examples scarce and historically significant.

On the front of the banknote, the heading The Commonwealth of Australia – Australian Note appears prominently across the upper field. The Treasurer’s legal tender promise confirms payment of one thousand pounds in gold coin on demand at the Commonwealth Treasury at the Seat of Government. The denomination “1000” is displayed repeatedly within circular and corner panels, reinforcing its high face value. The Australian Coat of Arms appears at the lower centre, surrounded by intricate guilloché security patterns and layered geometric backgrounds designed to prevent forgery. Serial numbers are printed in red, and the overall layout reflects the formal symmetry typical of early twentieth-century Commonwealth engraving.

The reverse features a detailed pastoral vignette depicting a large flock of sheep across expansive countryside, symbolising Australia’s wool industry and agricultural economy — a major pillar of national wealth at the time. Ornate scrollwork frames the central scene, and the denomination is repeated clearly in structured panels. The blue-green colour palette enhances depth and engraving precision, while the complex border patterns demonstrate the craftsmanship of early Australian note printing.

As a long-withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 1000 Australian Pound (1913–1924) is no longer accepted by banks or exchange bureaux and is most often encountered in institutional archives, estate holdings, or advanced numismatic collections.

If you would like to exchange foreign coins and notes through a secure UK-based service, we provide a clear and straightforward process.

• Indicate the quantity of 1000 Australian Pound banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Very high-denomination historic notes such as this fall completely outside modern banking exchange systems and cannot be processed by high-street providers. We assist collectors, executors managing estates, charities receiving legacy donations, and businesses holding dormant foreign currency, enabling them to unlock value from obsolete Australian banknotes safely and professionally.