5 Australian Shillings (1913 – 1924 Series)

The 5 Australian Shillings banknote issued between 1913 and 1924 forms part of Australia’s earliest Commonwealth paper currency following federation. Printed by the Australian Note Printing Branch, this small-denomination note was designed for everyday transactions while still carrying the same intricate engraving standards as higher values. The design reflects a period when Australia was establishing a unified national currency system separate from earlier colonial bank issues.

On the front of the banknote appears a portrait of King George V within a decorative oval frame at the left, symbolising the constitutional authority of the Commonwealth. The heading Australian Note is displayed prominently across the upper centre, with the legal tender promise stating the Treasurer will pay the bearer five shillings in sterling on demand at the Commonwealth Treasury. The denomination Five Shillings is repeated across the design within patterned panels, and signatures of issuing officials appear along the lower margin. Fine guilloché linework fills the background, providing both ornamentation and protection against counterfeiting.

The reverse is dominated by an intricate geometric lattice pattern surrounding a central panel reading Five Shillings. The symmetrical structure, formed from repeating curved line engravings, creates a strong visual deterrent to reproduction. The monochrome green palette highlights engraving depth and clarity, ensuring recognition in circulation despite the small size of the note.

As an obsolete pre-decimal denomination, the 5 Australian Shillings (1913–1924) is no longer accepted by banks or currency exchange bureaux and is commonly found in historic documents or inherited collections. If you would like to exchange leftover currency, our UK-based service offers a straightforward solution.

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

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Early Commonwealth denominations such as shillings sit completely outside modern banking clearing systems, meaning traditional exchange providers cannot process them. We exchange leftover currency for individuals, charities, and businesses across the UK, providing a trusted way to convert obsolete foreign banknotes into pounds securely instead of leaving them unused.