The 1 cent coin was first introduced with decimalisation on 14 February 1966. The original reverse design remained unchanged during the existence of the denomination.
One cent coins were produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the Royal Mint branch in Melbourne, the Royal Mint branch in Perth and the Royal Mint in Llantrisant (Wales). Production of 1966-dated 1 cent coins commenced at the Royal Mint in Melbourne in 1964.
The cessation of issue of one and two cent coins was announced by the Treasurer in his Budget Speech of 21 August 1990. The decision was based on the loss of real purchasing power through inflation and the cost of minting of these coins. The accompanying Press Release noted that "...1c and 2c coins will continue to be legal tender: they can still be used to purchase goods and can be deposited with financial institutions in the normal manner". Both coins were withdrawn from circulation commencing in February 1992. They were never formally demonetised and still remain legal tender.
Composition: 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin. | 
