Is Prop Money Legal in Australia? A Plain-English Guide

Yes — clearly marked prop money is legal to buy, own and use in Australia for film, television, theatre, photography and education. What matters is how the notes are made and how they are used. This guide explains both in plain English. It is general information, not legal advice.

What the Reserve Bank of Australia allows

Australian banknotes are protected by the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 and the Copyright Act 1968. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) publishes conditions under which images of real Australian notes may be reproduced. For physical reproductions, the key conditions are:

• The reproduction must be less than 75% or more than 150% of the length and width of the genuine note.
• It must be one-sided — no banknote artwork on the back.
• The RBA’s name must not be associated with the reproduction.
• Files and printing plates used to make it must be destroyed after use.

The RBA does not pre-approve individual props, and it advises not to go ahead if you are unsure whether a reproduction meets the conditions.

How our prop money goes further

Our Studio Series notes do not copy Australian banknotes at all — they use invented portraits, seals and colours. On top of that, every note is:

• 95 × 45 mm, under 75% of the smallest Australian note (the $5, at 130 × 65 mm)
• printed on one side only
• overprinted with a large PROP stamp, plus MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY and NOT LEGAL TENDER

Our classroom play money goes the other way: at 240 × 100 mm it is far larger than any real note.

The one thing you must never do

Never try to use prop money as payment — not in a shop, not at a market stall, not as a prank. Passing or attempting to pass imitation money is a serious criminal offence, whatever the notes look like. Keep prop money on set, in the classroom or in the prop store, and count it back in at wrap.

Tips for productions

• Log prop money in and out like any other valuable prop.
• Keep stacks banded so the blank reverse stays hidden on camera.
• Do not leave loose notes in public locations after a shoot.
• If a script calls for real Australian notes on screen, check the RBA’s current conditions before printing anything yourself.