The Type I ten cent was issued from 1966 to 1984 with an additional
proof
striking in silver in 2006 as part of the 40th anniversary of
decimal coinage set. The obverse features the Arnold Machin
portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the reverse features Stuart Devlin's
lyrebird design. Devlin's initials (SD) can be found to the right of the birds foot.
Initials of designer Stuart Devlin (SD) on a 1970 Proof Ten Cent piece.
The issue was struck at the Royal Australian Mint in all years
with additional assistance provided by the Royal Mint London in 1966
to assist with the huge demand for new currency as a result of the vast amount of
pre-decimal currency withdrawn. To distinguish between the 1966 London and Canberra pieces one must look toward
the three feathers at the top of the coin. On the central feather the London minted coins feature an additional spur compared
to the Canberra coins (see below).
Four spurs along the bottom of the central feather indicate this 1966 Ten Cent was minted in Canberra.
Five spurs along the bottom of the central feather indicate this 1966 Ten Cent was minted in London.
In 1981, the Wales mint assisted with striking coins to meet the additional demand for circulation currency brought about
by the economic boom of the 1980s.
Find out what dealers are paying with a subscription.
