Know All About Security Features Of Indian Banknotes : Check Now

Dear Aspirants, 

Security Features Of Indian Banknotes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the highest monetary authority in the country. RBI prints the currency notes of all denomination from Rs. 2 to 2000, except one rupee note which is printed by the Ministry of Finance. To make you all aware of the bank notes securities and to help you up in the exams, we are publishing some security features of the currency notes so that counterfeit notes can be detected by the general public. 

1. Watermark:

The Mahatma Gandhi Series of banknotes contain the Mahatma Gandhi watermark with a light and shade effect and multi-directional lines in the watermark window.

2. Security Thread:

The security thread appears to the left of the Mahatma’s portrait. Security thread has a plain, non-readable fully embedded security thread. The Rs.500 and Rs.100 notes have a security thread with similar visible features and inscription ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi), and ‘RBI’. When held against the light, the security thread on Rs.500 and Rs.100 can be seen as one continuous line. The Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20 and Rs.50 notes contain a readable, fully embedded windowed security thread with the inscription ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi), and ‘RBI’. 

3. Latent Image:

On the obverse side of Rs.2000, Rs.500, Rs.100, Rs.50 and Rs.20 notes, a vertical band on the right side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait contains a latent image showing the respective denominational value in numeral. The latent image is visible only when the note is held horizontally at eye level.

4. Microlettering:

This feature appears between the vertical band and Mahatma Gandhi portrait. It contains the word ‘RBI’ in Rs.5 and Rs.10. The notes of Rs.20 and above also contain the denominational value of the notes in microletters. This feature can be seen better under a magnifying glass. 

5. Intaglio Printing:

The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the Reserve Bank seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor’s signature are printed in intaglio i.e. in raised prints, which can be felt by touch, in Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.2000 notes. 

6. Identification Mark:

A special feature in intaglio has been introduced on the left of the watermark window on all notes except Rs.10/- note. This feature is in different shapes for various denominations (Rs. 20-Vertical Rectangle, Rs.50-Square, Rs.100-Triangle, Rs.500-Circle, Rs.2000-Horizontal Rectangle) and helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination.

7. Fluorescence:

Number panels of the notes are printed in fluorescent ink. The notes also have optical fibres. Both can be seen when the notes are exposed to ultra-violet lamp.

8. Optically Variable Ink:

The numeral digit 2000 and 500 on the obverse of Rs.2000 and Rs.500 notes respectively is printed in optically variable ink viz., a colour-changing ink. The colour of the numeral 2000/500 appears green when the note is held flat but would change to blue when the note is held at an angle.

9. See through Register: 

The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the note in the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark has an accurate back to back registration. The design will appear as one floral design when seen against the light.