This colorful novelty Australian note represents the 2nd denomination of World Expo Dollar (Brisbane, 1988). This notes served souvenirs/alternative payment during the 1988 World Expo, in Brisbane. Which celebrated the bicentennial (200 years) of the First Fleet landing in Sydney Harbor. The event lasted from 30 April 1988 and 30 October 1988, it attracted over 15.76 million visitors.
The Expo Dollars were only valid in the fairgrounds and were equal to Australian Dollars. The event's theme was "Leisure in the Age of Technology". The mascot was an Australian Platypus, named "Expo Oz". The expo was largely a success and many of buildings made for the event, remain popular locations today.
Observe
The observe features the expo's colorful "sun-sails" logo, above an illustration of the fairgrounds. The header lists the event (World Expo 88), while the lower text lists the time and place. The footer features a notification, remaining the bearer. That, "this note may be used as legal tender only inside World Expo 88 grounds".
Moving to the note's corners, the upper-left features a large number "5". It's "Five Expo Dollars" value is listed in vertical text, along the far-left. The lower-left reads "Australia's Bicentenary 1788-1988", while the upper-right features the note's serial number (50720033). At the lower right is fine vertical text, it list the note's printer as the "American Bank Note Company".
Reverse
The reverse depicts the World Expo 88 "Globe" logo. The header reads "World Expo 88", with over and under text. They are the expo slogan "Together We'll Show The World" and the expo theme "Leisure In The Age Of Technology". Below is a reference to the 1788-1988 Australian Bicentenary.
The green underprint features a wave pattern, used to represent the Brisbane River. The note's Five Expo Dollar value is expressed by large number 5s. Located at the upper-left and lower right corners. Some drops of red ink can be seen, this small defect is often seen on notes produced by the American Bank Note Company.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 160 x 87 mm or 6.30 x 3.43 in, larger than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are large sized protective sleeves.
The expo featured over 100 pavilions, include exhibits from 36 participating nations.
It was the last World Expo to include the nations of West Germany and the Soviet Union.
The popular platypus mascot Expo Oz, was designed by Disney's Imagineering Division.
The "World Expo Park" section of the event, was originally meant to be permanent.
World Expo Park now serves as the site of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.