The dual signatures of Stevens and Henry on this Twenty Dollar bank note from Australia are rapidly becoming very desirable.
The note is in lovely condition and has no discernable flaws.
If the catalogue value can double in 10 years it is sure to do great things further down the line.
Snap up a bargain now.
Design
1. A remarkable banknote in every way with abundant security features. This note had some extremely special features built into it as security against forgery. It was a world first and makes these notes highly desirable as collectors items.
2. The 20 dollar note embraces these following security features:
3. Within the clear window is printed a stylised image of a compass along with embossing of the number 20. These can be seen seen from either side of the note.
4. When the note is held up to the light a seven pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the note combining perfectly with three points on the other.
5. When the note is held up to the light an image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen under other printing.
6. The words TWENTY DOLLARS are microprinted and can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.
7. Slightly raised printing (intaglio) which can be felt with the fingers is used for the portraits and other major design elements.
8. Highly intricate multi-coloured fine-line patterns and images appear on each side.
9. Each notes serial number is printed twice, in black on the reverse of the note. A different font is used for each serial number. The alpha prefix of two letters is followed by two numerals representing the year of its production followed by a further six numerals. Under ultra-violet light, these serial numbers fluoresce.
10. Under ultra-violet light the notes denominational patch showing the number 20 becomes visible on the back of the note.
Obverse: Mary Reibey (12 May, 1777 – 30 May, 1855) was an Englishwoman who was transported to Australia as a convict but went on to become a successful businesswoman in Sydney. Mary Reibey, baptised Molly Haydock, was born on 12 May 1777 in Bury, Lancashire, England. Following the death of her parents, she was reared by a grandmother and sent into service. She ran away, and was arrested for horse stealing in August 1791. At the time, she was disguised as a man and was going under the name of James Burrow. Sentenced to seven years’ transportation, she arrived in Sydney, Australia, on the HMAS Royal Admiral in October 1792.
Reverse: The Reverend John Flynn, OBE (25 November 1880 – 5 May 1951) was an Australian Presbyterian minister and aviator who founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the world’s first air ambulance. Flynn was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1933. He is featured on one side of the current Australian 20 dollar note. The federal seat of Flynn in Queensland was created by the Australian Electoral Commission in 2006. Qantas has recently announced that they will be naming one of their Airbus A380’s after John Flynn in recognition of his contribution to the aviation industry and particularly to his achievement of founding the Royal Australian Flying Doctors Service.
Watermark: With the introduction of the new polymer banknotes we saw the end of the customary watermark. It was replaced with a Variable Optical Security Device in the bottom corner.
History
Some notable people who passed away in 2008.
22 January – Heath Ledger, 28, actor (died in New York City)
14 February – Smoky Dawson, 94, country music performer
19 February – Peter Pianto, 78, VFL player and coach for Geelong
21 February – Geoff Leek, 76, VFL player for Essendon
16 March – Bill Brown, 95, cricketer and member of the 1948 Invincibles
27 May – Mick Nolan, 58, Australian rules footballer.
6 July – Jack Collins, 78, Australian rules footballer (Footscray)
18 July – Peter Welsh, 54, Australian rules footballer
25 July – Jeff Fehring, 52, Australian rules footballer
5 August – Reg Lindsay, 79, country music singer
12 August – Christie Allen, 53, pop music singer
4 September – Colin Egar, 80, cricket umpire and administrator
27 November – Paul Hibbert, 56, cricketer