Plastic notes phased in through the 90's over about 5-10 years starting with $5 and $10, going up. I'm not sure the exact year we started going plastic, but it was around then. I don't think we were up to the plastic $20 yet in 1993.

Paper notes were still pretty common in 1997. I remember finding them annoying because I had to separate them when doing the cash taking for work and the bank didn't like getting paper and plastic notes bundled together.

[–] TheHolm@aussie.zone 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

This is interesting story. When did Australia got plastic banknotes? Current one should last forever.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 7 points 4 months ago (1 children)

When did Australia got plastic banknotes?

Quick Google says 1988, but it was a gradual roll-out, with the switch not being completed until 1996.

Fun fact: the polymer bank notes were an Australian invention, and Australia produces the polymer bank notes for several other countries including New Zealand, Mexico, and Vietnam.

[–] Nath@aussie.zone 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Nah, the 1988 $10 note was an experimental thing. We went back to paper for a few years after that. It's funny: A quick Google didn't tell me when exactly we made the move to plastic, and paper notes were still common well beyond 1996. I'm sure the information is to be had - but I'm at work and can't devote any time to actually researching this.

[–] ace_garp@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago

The 1988 $10 was pulled from circulation, because you could rub the hologram off with some thumb pressure, IIRC.

[–] Nath@aussie.zone 2 points 4 months ago

Oops, I meant to reply to this comment but missed and made a top level reply instead.