5 Australian Pounds (1913 – 1918 Arms Series)

The 5 Australian Pounds banknote of the 1913–1918 Arms Series is one of the earliest nationally issued Commonwealth banknotes following Federation. Produced by the Australian Note Printing Branch, this series marked the consolidation of Australia’s currency under federal authority. The design combines formal heraldic elements with detailed landscape engraving, reflecting both national identity and economic confidence during the early twentieth century.

On the front of the note, the title Commonwealth of Australia – Australian Note appears prominently across the upper section. Beneath it, the legal tender promise states that the Treasurer will pay the bearer five 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 detailed shield panel, while the denomination Five Pounds is printed boldly across the centre. Serial numbers appear in red at the top, and intricate guilloché patterns fill the background, creating a dense security framework typical of early Commonwealth issues.

The reverse features a finely engraved pastoral river landscape within a large oval frame. The scene depicts a wide waterway bordered by trees and gently rising terrain, symbolising Australia’s natural resources and agricultural potential. Decorative panels at each end display the numeral “5” within ornate geometric borders. The layered blue and green palette enhances the depth of the engraving and reinforces the classical symmetry of the design.

As a withdrawn pre-decimal issue, the 5 Australian Pounds (1913–1918 Arms Series) is no longer accepted by banks or exchange bureaux and is typically encountered in inherited collections, archives, or long-held family savings.

If you would like to exchange leftover currency, our UK-based service offers a secure and straightforward option.

• 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

Very early Commonwealth banknotes fall entirely outside modern banking exchange systems, meaning high-street providers cannot process them. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, providing a trusted route to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds instead of leaving them stored or unusable.