Are Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500 notes with star symbols fake? RBI clarifies

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

RBI), on July 27, 2023, clarified that 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 is a replaced/reprinted banknote, as RBI mentioned. The star (*) symbol is inserted in the number panel of a banknote that is used as a replacement for defectively printed banknotes in a packet of 100 pieces of serially numbered banknotes, the central bank further clarified.

The clarification came after discussions on the validity of banknotes with a star symbol on some social media platforms, the bank said. In a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) released by the RBI, the central bank answered what a «star series» banknote is. «Fresh banknotes issued by Reserve Bank of India till August 2006 were serially numbered.

Each of these banknotes bears a distinctive serial number along with a prefix consisting of numerals and letter/s. The banknotes are issued in packets containing 100 pieces. The Bank adopted the STAR series numbering system for the replacement of defectively printed banknotes in a packet of 100 pieces of serially numbered banknotes.

The Star series banknotes are exactly similar to the other banknotes, but have an additional character viz., a *(star) in the number panel in the space between the prefix,» the RBI said. In a press release dated August 1, 2006, the central bank said, «The Reserve Bank of India will soon issue Star series banknotes… Consequently, some fresh banknote packets issued by the Reserve Bank may contain some notes having a *(star) in the number panel in the space between the prefix and the number. The bands of the packets containing