Cocos (Keeling) Islands Coin List

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an external territory of Australia with a unique numismatic history. Although they currently use the Australian dollar as their official currency, their monetary past reflects the political and economic evolution of this small archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Current currency and monetary system

Since 1955, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have used the Australian dollar as their official currency. The islands do not issue their own coins or banknotes, but rely entirely on the Australian monetary system. However, due to their special status, commemorative coins related to the islands have occasionally been minted, although these are not legal tender in the territory.

Monetary history and relevant facts

Prior to the adoption of the Australian dollar, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands used various currencies. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the islands were under the control of the Clunies-Ross family, plastic tokens were used as local currency. These tokens, known as "Cocos rupees", were issued by the ruling family and were used until 1955. In 2004, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the transfer of the islands to Australia, an Australian $1 coin was minted with a special design depicting the unique fauna and flora of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.