Have you ever noticed a currency note with a star symbol (*) on it and wondered what it meant? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has clarified the meaning and purpose of these 'star series' banknotes. These notes are not fake or invalid; they are as legitimate as any other banknote in circulation.
The star symbol is an identifier used by the RBI to denote a replacement for defectively printed banknotes. In the process of printing currency notes, a certain number of notes may be found to have printing errors. To maintain the sequential numbering of banknotes within a packet of 100, the RBI replaces the defective notes with banknotes bearing a star symbol in the number panel. This system ensures that each packet contains the correct number of notes with proper numbering.
According to the RBI, the star () symbol is inserted in the number panel of a banknote used as a replacement for defectively printed banknotes in a packet of 100 serially numbered banknotes. These "star series" banknotes are exactly like other legal banknotes but have an additional character: a star () in the number panel, in the space between the prefix and the serial number. For example, a star series note might have a number like "4CC*456987".
The practice of using star series banknotes has been around for a while. The RBI initially introduced this system for ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100 notes back in 2006. The star symbol was later added to the new ₹500 banknotes in December 2016.
In response to misleading posts on social media claiming that banknotes with a star (*) mark in the number panel are counterfeit, the RBI has issued clarifications to assure the public that such notes are genuine and valid legal tender. The RBI has reiterated that these banknotes have been in circulation for a significant period and are entirely authentic.
The star series numbering system is part of the RBI's efforts to follow international best practices and ensure cost-effectiveness at printing presses. By using replacement notes with a star symbol, the RBI can avoid reprinting entire batches of banknotes when only a few are defective.
If you come across a banknote with a star symbol, you can be confident that it is a genuine note and can be used without any concerns. These notes are part of the regular currency supply and hold the same value as any other legal tender.
