Explore the surprising history of kangaroos on currency, from 18th-century England to modern Australian coins. Discover the evolution of this iconic symbol.
Kangaroos and money? They're practically synonymous in Australia. From the iconic mob on the dollar coin to special edition releases, the kangaroo has cemented its place in Australian numismatics. But the story begins way before Federation. Buckle up, because we're diving into the fascinating history of kangaroos on currency. It's a wild ride spanning continents and centuries!
The London Start: Kangaroos Before Australia
Believe it or not, the first kangaroo appearance on money wasn't Down Under, but in England! In 1795, Thomas Hall, a London taxidermist, issued half-penny tokens featuring a kangaroo (spelled "The Kanguroo"), an armadillo, and a rhinoceros. These tokens filled a coinage gap for small transactions. Inspired by George Stubbs' painting, 'The Kongouro from New Holland', this kangaroo was a trailblazer.
The Banks Connection
Speaking of Stubbs, his painting was commissioned by none other than Sir Joseph Banks, a famous naturalist. Banks had acquired a kangaroo skin from his 1770 expedition to Australia's east coast. Fast forward, and a rare 1823 Tasmanian shilling token also depicts a kangaroo looking over its shoulder. The potential link? The Boulton Mint, possibly involved in minting the token, had connections to Banks. It's all interconnected!
Kangaroo Evolution on Aussie Currency
The 19th century saw kangaroos popping up on various Australian trade tokens, sometimes incorporated into a coat of arms. After federation, kangaroos became a staple on official currency. From the sixpence in 1911 to the florin and pennies in the 30s and 60s, the kangaroo was a national symbol. The dollar note in 1966 also featured the kangaroo, until it was replaced by the durable dollar coin in 1984. And who can forget the 50-cent piece, consistently showcasing the kangaroo and emu on the coat of arms?
Modern Kangaroos: Tourist Attractions & Olympic Athletes
Today, kangaroos are still going strong. Special edition decimal coins feature our hopping friends, like the 2024 Paris Olympic Games two-dollar coin series, depicting kangaroos doing athletic tricks. And let's not forget the one-tonne gold kangaroo coin at the Perth Mint, a major tourist attraction. From a humble token in 1795 to a golden behemoth, the kangaroo's journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you reach into your coin purse, take a closer look at those kangaroos. They're not just currency; they're a piece of history, art, and national pride. Who knew such a marsupial could have such a rich monetary backstory? It just goes to show, even the smallest coin can hold a big story. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check my spare change for some historical treasures!
