Royal Australian Mint Launches Search for Faces from Iconic 1965 Decimal Currency Photo
As Australia prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of its historic transition to decimal currency on February 14, the Royal Australian Mint has launched a heartfelt public appeal. The institution is seeking to identify and connect with the former students featured in a remarkable 1965 photograph that captures a pivotal moment in the nation's financial and educational history.
A Classroom Frozen in Time: The 1965 Decimal Currency Lesson
The iconic black-and-white image, taken in a Sydney classroom and credited to the Australian News and Information Bureau, shows schoolchildren intently learning about the impending monetary transformation. It represents what was arguably the largest national education program of its era, designed to prepare every Australian for the switch from pounds, shillings, and pence to dollars and cents.
Royal Australian Mint chief executive officer Emily Martin expressed the organisation's desire to hear directly from those pictured. "We believe these individuals would now be in their early seventies," Ms Martin said. "No records were kept regarding the specific school or the children's identities at the time. We would be thrilled to find them and listen to their personal stories—whether it's memories of singing along with Dollar Bill or handling those first shiny new coins."
The Historic Context: From Pounds to Dollars
Prior to what was officially termed "Changeover Day" or "C-Day," Australians navigated the complex imperial currency system where one pound was equivalent to 240 pence. The official shift occurred on February 14, 1966, but a massive public awareness campaign had begun a full year earlier.
This campaign became a cultural touchstone, featuring the beloved animated character Dollar Bill and an infectious jingle that helped embed the new decimal system into the national consciousness. The transition was more than a financial reform; it was a unifying national project that required citizens from all walks of life to adapt.
How You Can Help the Mint's Historical Quest
The Royal Australian Mint is encouraging anyone with information about the students in the 1965 photograph to come forward. The goal is to enrich the historical narrative surrounding this defining moment and to honour the personal experiences of those who lived through it.
If you recognise someone in the image or have any relevant details, please contact the Mint's media team via email at media@ramint.gov.au or by telephone on 02 6202 3466 during standard business hours. Your contribution could help preserve a vital piece of Australia's social and economic heritage for future generations.
