Australia unveils new A$5 note and it looks impressively futuristic

The banknote will feature new security measures, including a new distinctive top-to-bottom window

While many people don’t carry physical currency thanks to digitalisation of economy and bank cards, there are still people/shops out there who demands physical money, making counterfeit currency bills still a relevant issue.

The new A$5 bill, released by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), as part of a currency overhaul to improve banknote security, looks like they are from the future.

This image shows the basic design artwork for the signature side of the new $5 banknote. The white areas are clear windows. PHOTO: RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA



The banknote, which entered circulation on Thursday, features many innovative security measures, including a new distinctive top-to-bottom window. At the bottom of the window, there is an image of Federation Pavilion building containing number 5 which changes direction.

This image shows the basic design artwork for the serial number side of the new $5 banknote. PHOTO: RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA

In addition to its security features, Australia's new A$5 note will include a tactile element to help vision-impaired people distinguish between the different denominations of banknotes.

"The new $5 banknote has a range of security features that have not previously been used on an Australian banknote and that will help to keep our banknotes secure against counterfeiting into the future," said RBA Governor Glenn Stevens in a statement published on central bank’s website.



The $5 banknote is the first in a new series and other denominations will be upgraded over coming years

“A core function of the Reserve Bank is to maintain public confidence in Australia's banknotes. Australia has one of the safest and most secure currencies in the world and has experienced relatively low levels of counterfeiting for many years,” according to a statement on their website.

New Zealand recently unveiled the designs of its NZ$20, NZ$50 and NZ$100 notes, which include increased security measures such as a holographic window, a color-changing bird, puzzle number and raised ink.