The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has clarified that currency notes with Star (*) symbol inserted in the number panel are valid.
- The RBI’s clarification comes after the validity of banknotes with a Star (*) symbol present on the number panel became a subject of discussions on some social media platforms.
- 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.
- Fresh banknotes issued by Reserve Bank of India till August 2006 were serially numbered. In a press release dated August 1, 2006, the Reserve Bank of India said that it would soon issue Star series banknotes.
- As per the Section 25 of the RBI Act, the design, form, and material of bank notes shall be such as may be approved by the Central Government after consideration of the recommendations made by the Central Board.
