Country ISO code: CX
Official language: English
Language ISO code: en
Current official currency: Australian Dollar
Current currency ISO code: AUD

Financial History and Currencies of Christmas Island

1. Australian Dollar (AUD)

• ISO Code: AUD

• Singular name: Dollar

• Plural name: Dollars

• Monetary subdivision: 1 Dollar = 100 cents

• Fraction name (singular): Cent

• Fraction name (plural): Cents

• Initial production date: 1966 (introduction of the Australian Dollar, replacing the Australian Pound)

• Initial circulation date in Christmas Island: Since Australian administration began, especially after 1958 when Christmas Island became an Australian territory

• Mint: Royal Australian Mint

• Issuing bank: Reserve Bank of Australia

• Minted coin denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

• Printed banknote denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars

Economic Historical Context

• Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia.

• The local economy traditionally relied on phosphate mining, initiated under British administration in the late 19th century.

• Since 1958, when it came under Australian administration, the Australian Dollar has been the official currency of the territory.

• Today, the economy includes tourism, government services, and mining, with a population of about 1,800 residents.

Mints / Production Locations

• Coins and banknotes in circulation are produced by the Royal Australian Mint, located in Canberra, Australia.

Designs / Symbols on Coins and Banknotes

• Australian Dollar coins and banknotes feature national Australian symbols such as Queen Elizabeth II (on older coins), native animals, and prominent Australian historical figures.

Current Circulation Status

• The Australian Dollar is actively circulating and is the sole official currency in Christmas Island.

Issuing Authority

• Reserve Bank of Australia (Australia’s Central Bank)

Relevant Monetary Legislation

• The use of the Australian Dollar in Christmas Island is governed by Australian legislation for its external territories.

This report presents the financial history and current monetary situation of Christmas Island, highlighting the Australian Dollar as the official currency in circulation since the territory came under Australian administration in 1958.