How long do polymer notes last in circulation compared to paper notes?
The RBA estimates that polymer notes stay in circulation in Australia around four times longer than paper notes. The life of notes varies by denomination. Low denomination notes, handled more frequently and roughly in day-to-day transactions, do not last as long as higher denominations. In the course of being used, notes are subjected to quite harsh treatment. For example, notes are often folded, crumpled, exposed to moisture or heat, stapled and so on. This ultimately leads to signs of wear such as holes, tears and ink wear. When notes are no longer fit for further use they are replaced with new notes using strict criteria that the RBA has set to maintain the high quality of notes in circulation. Polymer notes last longer than paper notes because of the non-porous, non-fibrous nature of polymer, and the overcoating of polymer notes with a clear varnish. As a result, polymer notes do not absorb moisture, nor do they stain or accumulate dirt as easily as paper notes do. Polymer does not
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