The commemorative coin, distinguished by a bright-orange centre surrounded by a male and female firefighter, was launched by the Royal Australian Mint on Thursday.

The coin will enter general circulation and also be available to purchase as a collectable, with $125,000 of proceeds to go to emergency service organisations including Victoria's Country Fire Authority.

"This coin will reach communities across the country and will highlight the risk our members take each and every day to keep Victorian communities safe," CFA chief officer Garry Cook said.

Royal Australian Mint general manager Mark Cartwright said the coins should serve as a daily reminder of the regular sacrifice of firefighters.

"It was less than 12 months ago that large parts of Australia was on fire. Our firefighters - both career and voluntary - courageously combated the extreme conditions to keep us safe," he said.

The Reserve Bank on Thursday also released a new-look and new-touch $100 banknote.

The green note still features renowned soprano Dame Nellie Melba and soldier, engineer and civic leader John Monash, but also includes raised dots to help vision-impaired users distinguish between different banknote denominations.

Australian Associated Press