How much is an Australian 1988 $10 polymer banknote worth?

The market value of an Australian 1988 $10 Bicentennial banknote depends on its serial prefix, physical grading, and whether it remains in its original Reserve Bank of Australia issue folder. Uncirculated examples with the desirable first-run 'AA' prefix in original presentation folders command significant numismatic collector premiums above face value.

What is the historical significance of the Australian 26 January 1988 commemorative $10 note?

Issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on January 26, 1988, this commemorative $10 banknote marked the Australian Bicentenary (1788–1988), celebrating 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. Designed by Harry Williamson, it features Aboriginal artwork, HMS Supply, and early Australian settlers.

Is the Australian 1988 $10 note the world's first polymer banknote?

Yes, the Australian 1988 $10 Bicentennial note is globally recognized as the world's first polymer banknote issued into circulation. Developed jointly by CSIRO and the Reserve Bank of Australia, it introduced revolutionary optical security devices (OSD) and biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) technology to modern currency.

What does the 'AA' serial prefix mean on a 1988 $10 polymer banknote?

The 'AA' serial prefix denotes the initial production run specifically reserved for the official collector edition issued in commemorative display folders by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Standard general circulation notes issued through banks began with the 'AB' serial prefix.

What condition and packaging is this 1988 $10 polymer banknote presented in?

This 1988 $10 polymer banknote is in Uncirculated (UNC) grade, housed inside its original official Reserve Bank of Australia commemorative folder. Physical condition, corner crispness, and folder integrity are verified under Koala Group inspection standards.

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Australia 1988 Commemorative $10 Polymer Banknote – AA Prefix Folder, Uncirculated

Name: Australia 1988 Commemorative $10 Polymer Banknote – AA Prefix Folder, Uncirculated
Price: 59.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$59.00 AUD

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This 1988 Australian $10 polymer banknote is the Bicentennial commemorative issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia to mark the Bicentenary of European settlement. It is widely recognised as the world's first polymer banknote released into general circulation, which makes it a landmark piece for banknote collectors.

This note carries the AA serial prefix, the prefix used for the collector folder issue. Notes released for everyday use began with AB, so an AA note in its folder is the version collectors look for. The note is uncirculated and comes presented in its folder.

One side shows a portrait of a young Aboriginal boy, based on a drawing by David Malangi, set against traditional Indigenous art motifs. The other shows early European exploration and the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove.

Buying for gifts or building a collection? Our Pack of 9 includes nine of these AA prefix folder notes in a single order.

1988 $10 polymer banknote Specifications:

Country: Australia
Issuer: Reserve Bank of Australia
Year: 1988
Denomination: $10
Material: Polymer
Issue: Bicentennial commemorative (Bicentenary of European settlement)
Serial prefix: AA (collector folder issue)
Condition: Uncirculated
Presentation: Original folder
Size: 155 mm × 75 mm
Catalogue reference: Pick 49

FAQ

How much is a 1988 $10 polymer banknote worth?

Value depends on the serial prefix, condition and whether the note is in its original folder. This uncirculated AA prefix folder note is priced on this page.

What is the commemorative $10 note of 26 January 1988?

It is the Reserve Bank of Australia's Bicentennial $10 polymer banknote, issued for the 200th anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788.

Is the 1988 $10 note really the first polymer banknote?

It is widely recognised as the world's first polymer banknote released into general circulation.

What does the AA prefix mean?

AA marks the notes sold to collectors in the commemorative folder. Notes for everyday use started with AB.

What condition is this note in?

It is uncirculated and presented in its folder. Please check the photos for the exact condition.

Explore more Australian commemorative issues in our World & Vintage Coins, Gold Proof Sets & Commemorative Medals collection.

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Australia 1988 Commemorative $10 Polymer Banknote – AA Prefix Folder, Uncirculated