What is a first prefix banknote?

A first prefix note carries the first serial number prefix issued for a particular signature pair or printing run. Collectors prize them because they represent the earliest notes struck under that combination of signatories.

What is a last prefix banknote?

A last prefix note carries the final serial prefix used before a new signature pair took over or a series concluded. Last prefix notes are often printed in smaller quantities as demand wound down, making them comparatively scarce.

Why do collectors seek first and last prefix notes?

First and last prefix notes bookend each signature series, giving them historical significance. When completing a full set of a denomination, collectors traditionally aim to include both a first and a last prefix example to represent the full span of a signature pair's production.

How do I identify a first or last prefix note?

The prefix is the letter or letters at the start of a note's serial number. Cross-referencing against the Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values catalogue identifies the first (F suffix in Renniks numbers) and last (L suffix) prefix for each signature pair.

First & Last Prefix Banknotes

Notes from the first and last serial prefix of each signature run — bookends of a series, traditionally prized by set collectors.

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About First & Last Prefix Notes

Each Australian banknote signature pair — the combination of Governor and Secretary whose signatures appear on the note — was assigned a series of serial number prefixes. The first prefix represents the very first batch printed under that pairing, while the last prefix covers the final production run before a new signature pair took over or the series ended.

Set collectors traditionally seek at least one first prefix and one last prefix note to represent the full span of a signature pair's production. Last prefix notes in particular can be scarcer, as print runs often diminished as demand for a series wound down. In high grades, either variety attracts meaningful premiums.

What is a first prefix banknote?: A first prefix note carries the first serial number prefix issued for a particular signature pair or printing run. Collectors prize them because they represent the earliest notes struck under that combination of signatories.
What is a last prefix banknote?: A last prefix note carries the final serial prefix used before a new signature pair took over or a series concluded. Last prefix notes are often printed in smaller quantities as demand wound down, making them comparatively scarce.
Why do collectors seek first and last prefix notes?: First and last prefix notes bookend each signature series, giving them historical significance. When completing a full set of a denomination, collectors traditionally aim to include both a first and a last prefix example to represent the full span of a signature pair's production.
How do I identify a first or last prefix note?: The prefix is the letter or letters at the start of a note's serial number. Cross-referencing against the Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values catalogue identifies the first (F suffix in Renniks numbers) and last (L suffix) prefix for each signature pair.