20 Australian Pounds (1913 – 1918 Arms Series)

The 20 Australian Pounds banknote of the 1913–1918 Arms Series represents one of the highest denominations issued during the early years of Commonwealth-controlled currency. Introduced shortly after Federation, this series established Australia’s national identity in paper money, replacing colonial-era banknotes with federally authorised “Australian Note” issues. As a substantial denomination at the time, the £20 note was generally used for major commercial transactions, institutional settlements, and high-value trade.

On the front of the banknote, the title The Commonwealth of Australia – Australian Note is prominently displayed across the upper field. The Treasurer’s legal tender promise confirms payment of twenty pounds in gold coin on demand at the Commonwealth Treasury at the Seat of Government. The Australian Coat of Arms is positioned at the left within a shield panel, while serial numbers are printed in red at the top. The denomination “20” appears repeatedly in the corners, and the word Twenty is boldly overprinted across the centre in red for emphasis. The surrounding guilloché patterns form a dense, interwoven security framework typical of early twentieth-century Commonwealth engraving.

The reverse features a finely detailed circular vignette depicting forestry workers cutting timber within a dense woodland setting. This scene symbolises Australia’s natural resources and the importance of the timber industry during the period. The vignette is framed by elaborate geometric borders and star motifs, with the denomination repeated at each corner for clarity. The layered blue and green palette enhances engraving depth while maintaining visual symmetry across the design.

As a long-withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 20 Australian Pounds (1913–1918 Arms Series) is no longer accepted by banks or exchange bureaux and is typically encountered in historic collections, estates, or archival holdings.

If you would like to exchange foreign coins through a secure UK service, we provide a straightforward process.

• Indicate the quantity of 20 Australian Pound banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

High-denomination early Commonwealth notes such as this rarely pass through modern banking channels and are generally declined by traditional exchange providers. We assist private individuals, charities handling legacy donations, and businesses with historic currency holdings, enabling them to convert obsolete Australian banknotes into usable funds safely and efficiently.