Reserve Bank of India Carifies on Star Series Banknotes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a clarification stating that banknotes bearing a star (*) symbol in the number panel are genuine and fully valid legal tender, carrying the same value as any other currency note.

In its official press release, dated July 27, 2023, the RBI noted, “It has come to the notice of the Reserve Bank that the validity of banknotes with a Star (*) symbol present on the number panel has recently been the subject of discussions on some social media platforms. In this connection, it is informed that the Star symbol is inserted in the number panel of a banknote that is used as a replacement for defectively printed banknotes in a packet of 100 pieces of serially numbered banknotes. 

A banknote with a Star (*) symbol is identical to any other legal banknote, except that in the number panel a Star symbol is added between the prefix and the serial number. The Star symbol is an identifier that it is a replaced/reprinted banknote.”

The introduction of star banknotes began in 2006 as part of the RBI’s improved currency management system. These replacement notes help the RBI track production accuracy and maintain precise records of the total number of notes printed.

A star note or replacement banknote is simply a reprinted note that substitutes a defective one removed during quality checks. It is a globally used practice by central banks and does not indicate rarity, invalidity, or counterfeit status.

If you come across misleading messages suggesting that star banknotes are invalid, kindly educate others by sharing this clarification and forwarding this link. Educating the community helps prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation regarding India’s currency.