We have talked about the different shapes of the Indian Coin and the Indian Rupee symbol in our last posts. The RBI has the sole authority in issuing the bank notes and minting the coins. We all know about the different denomination of the bank notes issued in Mahatma Gandhi series since 1996.
But have you ever noticed the features in the bank note??? There are few interesting things that we all should know about these Indian bank notes. The different denominations in which these bank notes are available to us are Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.1000.
Size of the Indian Banknotes –
- Rs.5 – 117mm X 63mm
- Rs.10 – 137mm X 63mm
- Rs.20 – 147mm X 63mm
- Rs.50 – 147mm X 73mm
- Rs.100 – 157mm X 73mm
- Rs.500 – 167mm X 73mm
- Rs.1000 – 177mm X 73mm
Few Security features of the Indian Banknotes –
Watermark : The Indian banknotes have a Mahatma Gandhi watermerk with light and shade effect. In the watermark window there is multidirectional lines also.
Security Thread : If you observe the notes carefully ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) and ‘RBI’ is inscribed in all the notes.There is a security thread with the same insciption on Rs.1000, Rs.500 and Rs.100. This silver thread is visible when you hold the note in light. Where as in Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20 and Rs.50 banknotes the security thread is readable.
Latent image : On the bank notes with series Rs.1000, Rs.500, Rs.100, Rs.50 and Rs.20 you will observe a vertical band with the denominational value embedded on it.
Microlettering : Between the vertical band and the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in Rs 5 and Rs 10 the word RBI can be seen. In Rs 20 and above series the denominational value is embedded in micro letters which can be seen properly via magnifying glass.
Special Identifaction Mark : There are different shapes on the banknotes. Except for Rs 10, all other banknotes have different shapes like for Rs. 20-Vertical Rectangle, Rs.50-Square, Rs.100-Triangle, Rs.500-Circle, Rs.1000-Diamond.
Optically Variable Ink : Optically Variable Ink menas shifting ink. This ink has the unique feature of changing colour. This is a new security feature introduced in November 2000 on the note of Rs Rs.1000 and Rs.500. When held flat in hand the numeric value of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 appears to be green. But when held in an angle it chnages colour to blue.
Today many forged notes have penetrated our economy and it really becomes impossible for a lay man to identify. In our daily activity when we are really in hurry we hardly have time to have a proper look on the notes while transactions. But dont forget that under Sections 489A to 489E of the Indian Penal Code printing and circulation of forged notes is an offence.
This act is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both.Its a humble request to all that while transaction on these indian banknotes always spare few minutes to check the notes. Lets join hand with our govenment to stop this forgery of notes.
For a more detail study please visit RBi Website