By News Desk 
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently issued a public advisory regarding currency notes bearing a star (*) symbol in their serial numbers. The central bank has confirmed that such notes are absolutely authentic and hold the same legal value as any other Indian currency note.
What’s the Controversy Around Star-Marked Notes?
Currency notes have recently become a topic of public discussion—particularly due to the withdrawal of ₹2000 denomination notes and confusion surrounding notes with a star symbol in their serial numbers. Rumors circulating on social media falsely claimed that these star-marked notes are invalid, creating unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.
RBI Issues Official Clarification
In response, the RBI released a circular last Thursday evening, addressing these concerns. The central bank clarified that star-marked currency notes are legally valid and can be used freely for all transactions. Banks and merchants are obligated to accept them, just as they would with any regular currency note.
Why Do Some Notes Have a Star Mark?
According to the RBI, sometimes errors occur during the printing of currency notes at the press. To replace defective notes in a bundle, the printing facility issues replacement notes marked with a star (*) symbol. This mark appears between the prefix letters and the serial number on the note.
These are not counterfeit notes—they are official replacements issued by the RBI to maintain the integrity and accuracy of note bundles without disrupting the sequence.
Validity and Origin of the Star Note System
The star note system was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2006. The symbol simply indicates that the note was printed as a substitute for a misprinted or damaged note during the production process. Other than the small star mark, there is no difference in design, value, or authenticity.
Conclusion
There is no reason to be alarmed by the presence of a star symbol on Indian currency notes. These notes are fully valid and legal for all transactions. The RBI urges the public not to fall for misinformation and to continue using these notes with confidence. If you receive a note with a star in the serial number, rest assured—it’s just as genuine as any other note in your wallet.