How to Identify Genuine ₹50 and ₹100 Indian Currency Notes: RBI's Security Features Explained

Counterfeit currency continues to circulate in the market, making it important for everyone to know how to identify genuine Indian banknotes. To help the public distinguish real notes from fake ones, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced several advanced security features in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series banknotes.

The RBI recommends the simple "See, Tilt and Feel" method to verify the authenticity of ₹50 and ₹100 currency notes.

How to Identify a Genuine ₹50 Note

According to the RBI, a genuine ₹50 note includes the following security features:

- Fluorescent Blue base colour with dimensions of 66 mm × 135 mm.

- A see-through register displaying the denomination "50".

- The denomination `५०` printed in Devanagari.

- A portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre.

- Micro-lettering containing "RBI", "भारत", "INDIA", and "50".

- A windowed security thread with the inscriptions "भारत" and "RBI".

- Mahatma Gandhi watermark along with an electrotype "50" watermark.

- Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right side.

- Number panels with numerals increasing in size from left to right.

- Year of printing on the reverse side.

- Swachh Bharat logo with slogan and a language panel.

- Hampi with Chariot motif on the reverse, representing India`s cultural heritage.

How to Identify a Genuine ₹100 Note

The RBI states that a genuine ₹100 note comes with the following features:

- Lavender base colour with dimensions of 66 mm × 142 mm.

- A see-through register showing the denomination "100".

- The denomination `१००` printed in Devanagari.

- Mahatma Gandhi portrait at the centre.

- Micro-lettering containing "RBI", "भारत", "INDIA", and "100".

- A colour-shifting security thread with the inscriptions "भारत" and "RBI", which changes from green to blue when the note is tilted.

- Mahatma Gandhi watermark and electrotype "100" watermark.

- Ashoka Pillar emblem.

- Raised intaglio printing on the portrait, RBI seal, identification mark, and d bleed lines to help visually impaired persons identify the note.

- Number panels with ascending-size numerals.

- Year of printing, Swachh Bharat logo, and language panel on the reverse.

- Rani Ki Vav motif on the reverse side.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspected Fake Note

- Do not use or circulate the note.

- Take it to your nearest bank branch for verification.

- Banks follow RBI guidelines for handling suspected counterfeit currency.

- You can also refer to the RBI`s "Paisa Bolta Hai" initiative to learn more about the security features of Indian banknotes.

By familiarising yourself with these RBI security features, you can easily identify genuine ₹50 and ₹100 notes and help prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency.