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.
4,060 listings from $7
Browse listingsAbout 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.
First & Last Prefix Notes for Sale

1982 Australia Johnston Stone LAST PREFIX DPS 573430
$7.00
cointraderoz

2016 First Prefix AA16 Serial Number $5 Five Dollar Banknote Well Used
$8.00
pops-shed

2016 Last Prefix EJ16 Serial Number $5 Five Dollar Banknote Average Used
$8.50
pops-shed

AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 0385254
$8.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 1663281
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 0396986
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 0892475
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 2352049
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 1360922
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 0909326
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 1103948
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 347729
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 3230668
$9.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 1073719
$9.90
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Last Prefix DPS 1982 Dollar Banknotes Johnston Stone VF
$9.99
bundycoins

1985 Australia Mint Second Last Prefix $2 LQF Johnston Fraser Banknote issue r89
$9.99
jdmooney21

AUSTRALIA $5 2016 FIRST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth AA16 0146318
$10.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 LAST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth EJ16 0963255
$10.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 FIRST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth AA16 2859044
$10.90
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AUSTRALIA $5 2016 FIRST PREFIX Polymer Banknote Queen Elizabeth AA16 1513409
$10.90
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