1988 Australian $10 Note - Bicentennial Overprinted Note in NPA Folder - A01(a)

Celebrate a groundbreaking moment in global currency with the 1988 Australian Bicentennial $10 banknote—the world's very first polymer banknote. This revolutionary issue forever changed modern currency production by introducing advanced plastic substrates.

To mark the occasion, a limited selection of these historic notes was issued in official Note Printing Australia (NPA) presentation folders, featuring the distinctive special overprint date of "26 JANUARY 1988" on the reverse side.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 1988
• Denomination: $10
• Material: Polymer Substrate
• Production: 800,000
• Condition: Uncirculated with Overprint
• Issuing Authority: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) / Note Printing Australia (NPA)
• Catalogue Reference: Renniks A01(a)

Key Features and Design

• Historical Milestone: Represents a major technological leap as the world's inaugural commercial polymer circulating banknote, developed by the CSIRO and the RBA.
• Bicentennial Themes: The front of the note depicts the arrival of HMS Supply at Sydney Cove in 1788, alongside various figures representing early Australian settlement. The reverse celebrates diverse cultural heritage, featuring a young Aboriginal person with body decoration, ancient rock art, and a Morning Star pole.
• Exclusive Overprint: Embellished with the commemorative "26 JANUARY 1988" overprint, unique to the special collector folder releases.

Condition and Presentation

• Banknote Condition: The banknote is in pristine, uncirculated condition, maintaining its original crispness, vibrant colours, and flawless presentation.
• Presentation Packaging: Housed within its original official Note Printing Australia (NPA) collector folder.
• Condition Note: While the banknote itself is immaculate, please note that the vintage NPA folders show some minor wear, scuffing, or corner softening consistent with age and storage over nearly four decades.