5 Australian Pounds (1913 – 1918 Arms Series)

The 5 Australian Pounds banknote of the 1913–1918 Arms Series is an early Commonwealth issue produced shortly after Australia introduced nationally controlled paper currency. Printed by the Australian Note Printing Branch, this series reflects the young federation’s desire to establish a financial identity while retaining the detailed engraving traditions inherited from British banknote design. The note combines formal heraldry, elaborate framing, and landscape imagery within a structured monochrome layout.

On the front of the banknote, the title Commonwealth of Australia Australian Note appears prominently across the upper centre. Beneath it, the legal tender promise states that the Treasurer will pay the bearer five pounds in gold coin on demand. At the left sits the Australian Coat of Arms within a shield-shaped panel, flanked by dense guilloché security patterns. Serial numbers appear at the top in red, while the denomination “5” is repeated in decorative panels around the border for immediate recognition. The central text is framed by intricate geometric patterns designed to deter reproduction and reinforce authenticity.

The reverse presents a detailed river landscape vignette surrounded by ornate borders. Calm water extends toward distant hills, with trees and vegetation carefully engraved to create depth and shading. The denomination Five Pounds is printed along the lower centre, while large “5” devices appear in decorative corner panels. The blue monochrome palette emphasises engraving precision, a key anti-counterfeit measure used in early 20th-century banknote printing.

As a withdrawn historic issue, the 5 Australian Pounds (1913–1918 Arms Series) is no longer accepted by banks or exchange bureaux and is typically found in collections or inherited documents. If you want a straightforward way to exchange foreign coins, our UK-based service provides a reliable alternative.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 Australian Pound banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Early national banknotes often sit completely outside modern banking systems, meaning high-street providers cannot process them. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, offering a trusted route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds securely instead of leaving them stored without practical use.