Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently issued a press release (2023-2024/653) addressing the discussions on social media regarding the Star (*) symbol present on some banknotes. The RBI clarified that the Star (*) symbol signifies a replacement for defectively printed banknotes and is legally valid.
The Star (*) symbol is inserted in the number panel of a banknote when it serves as a replacement for defectively printed notes in a packet of 100 pieces of serially numbered banknotes. It acts as an identifier for the replaced/reprinted banknote. The RBI emphasizes that the banknote with the Star (*) symbol is entirely legal, and its validity is the same as any other banknote.
The RBI’s clarification aims to address any confusion or misinformation surrounding the Star (*) symbol on banknotes. It assures the public that these banknotes are valid and that information about the “Star Series” banknotes is available on the RBI website.
Reserve Bank of India
Press Release: 2023-2024/653
Date : Jul 27, 2023
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 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. Information about the “Star Series” banknotes is available on the RBI website as part of FAQs on Indian Currency (Question 9 of Section B).
(Yogesh Dayal)
Chief General Manager
