Historical Insight:
By 1981, Australia had fully adapted to its decimal currency system, introduced in 1966. The 20 Cents coin remained one of the most used denominations in everyday trade. The design itself celebrates Australia’s natural heritage — the platypus, an animal so unusual it baffled early European scientists who thought it was a hoax.

This period also marked a stable time for the Australian economy under Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, and coins from these years circulated widely throughout the nation and even appeared in international trade.

Collecting Note:
The 1981 20 Cents coin is notable for its clean design and enduring popularity among collectors of Australian decimal issues. Variations exist depending on mint location (Canberra, or overseas mints such as the Royal Mint in London and the Royal Canadian Mint). Collectors often examine mint marks or subtle differences in strike quality.