Australian money is internationally recognised to be one of the most advanced currencies in the world.

Since the dollar notes are made from a wax-like material called polymer, not only are they totally waterproof and resistant to moisture and dirt, but they also tend to last two or three times longer than those made with paper.

And of course, they are made with such an intricate design that makes them impossible to counterfeit.

Have you noticed that the $5 banknote has a rolling colour effect? When you move a certain way, you’ll see the image of an eastern spinebill moving its wings and changing colours. The little see-through window pattern is a clever touch, too.

Pretty amazing, right?

Australian money is one of the most advanced currencies in the world. Credit: Shutterstock.
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However, since the banknotes are made from polymer, a type of plastic, they also have their flaws.

Even though polymer banknotes have a higher ignition point than paper banknotes, meaning, paper notes have a higher tendency of burning than plastic ones, that is not always the case.

According to the technical experts at Note Printing Australia, who are responsible for the development of the polymer banknote, the ignition temperature for banknotes is 375 degrees Celsius, however, the melt temperature is 175 degrees Celsius.

Meaning, they may not burn at high temperatures, but they would most likely melt.

In fact, one user on TikTok shared that he “shrunk his $5 banknote” when he accidentally ironed it in the front pocket of his shirt.

Joel Kandiah, a cash and coin buff from Perth, revealed the damaged banknote in the video clip, seemingly reduced in size after coming into contact with extreme heat.

Now, he is warning others to avoid making the same mistake as he did.

Many fellow Aussies have commented on his video, saying that they find it ironic for a country “prone to extreme heat” to have a currency that “shrinks in extreme heat”.

Joel saw his $5 note shrink to almost half its original size. Credit: TikTok/@thehistoryofmoney.
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So, you have read it here, folks! This is your reminder to take good care of your money, or else, it might just shrink!

To know more about the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy on damaged banknotes, check out their website here. And if you’re in possession of damaged banknotes, you can check out their exchange requirements here.

 

[leanneh]

I know of a lady who purposely shrinks bank notes on bake paper in the oven and turns them into unique jewellery. Of course this is completely illegal but also completely possible.

 

[KatKop]

I have noticed this phenomenon, too. I don't know what the bank is up to, but every time I check my account balance, it has shrunk! Thank you, @Jamesacg, I will forward this alert to them!!

 

[maggiej]

I had a $20 note given to and it was folded as in Origami, I thought it was just an imitation note so left it for some time in a drawer then decided to open it up. By this time the not was hard to straighten out so decided to place it between a Teflon mat and well that was the same shriveled up and was of no use. I did ask at the bank but was told it was now useless. So a lesson learned