KNOW YOUR BANKNOTES
The
Reserve Bank of
I. Obverse (Front) Side
See through Register:
The floral design printed both on the
front (hollow) and back (filled up) in the middle of the vertical band next to
the watermark window has the denominational numeral. Half the numeral is printed on the obverse
and half on the reverse. Both the
printed portions have an accurate back to back registration so that the numeral
appears as one when viewed against light.
Identification Mark:
Each note has a different mark with
intaglio print that helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination.
Watermark:
The portrait
of Mahatma Gandhi, the multi-directional lines and an electrolyte mark showing
the denominational numeral appear in this section. These can be viewed better when the banknote
is held against light.
Year of printing appears on the reverse
of the banknote.
Omron Anti-photocopying feature:
A banknote with this feature, when copied
by a colour photocopier, gives an output with a
different colour shade. The feature appears on either side of the
legend Reserve Bank of
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 on the banknote and the
identification mark for the visually impaired persons are printed in intaglio,
i.e. in raised prints, which can be felt by touch.
Latent Image:
The vertical band contains a latent
image showing the numeral denomination of the banknote when the banknote is
held horizontally at eye level.
Microlettering:
The letters, “RBI” and the numeral denomination
of the banknote can be viewed with the help of a magnifying glass in the zone
between the Mahatma Gandhi portrait and the vertical band.
Security thread:
The security thread with inscriptions “Bharat” (in Hindi) and “RBI” is provided in all the four
banknotes. The thread is visible as a
continuous line from behind when held up against light.
III. Other Security Features:
Flurorescence:
Number panels of the banknotes are
printed in fluroscent ink. The banknotes have optical fibres. Both can be
seen when the banknotes are viewed under ultraviolet light.
Paper:
Banknotes are printed on a special
watermarked paper with substrate cotton and cotton rag. This gives the banknotes a unique “feel” and
“crackling sound”. The new series of
banknotes have paper with increased grammage and caliper thickness.
(Extracted
from Volume II – Issue
Sent by Ms T Hema
Suneetha, SrDFM/MAS/SR