Although the tittle-tattle about all new 2000 bills having NGC (Nano GPS Chip) turned out to be an arid rumour interestingly all these fresh notes of the highest denomination indeed have some satellite ‘connection’. The elegant motif of ‘Mangalyan’- the exemplary epitome of Indian Space Program- rightfully found its way on the 2000 rupee note alongside Mr. Modi’s passionate and widely followed ‘Swach Bharat’ slogan for both denominations.
The magenta coloured 2000 and stone grey coloured 500 notes are not just sleeker and smarter but also have enhanced and additional security features on different levels. In this article, we’ll not only analyse the anatomy of new notes but also understand their significance.
Though there’s no tracking chip, the new currency bills of 500 and 2000 are very difficult- if not impossible- to counterfeit. The users too can check the integrity of these original notes by verifying the following points based on the official release by RBI.
Let’s start by looking at the different sizes available:
- The dimension of the 2000 bill is 66mmX166mm.
- The dimension of the 500 bills is 66mmX150mm – smaller than earlier.
1. See-through denominational numeral (value of currency) when held against the light.
2. ‘Latent image’ stating the numeral value of the note. It can be seen when the bill is tilted at 45 degrees to the line of vision. ‘Latent Image’ is an otherwise invisible image which could be seen by exposing to light or tilting at a certain angle. Copying a latent image is not that difficult but aping the exact technicality is the challenge.
3. The denominational value is in Devanagari script encircled by encrypted motif. This (Devanagari Script) is a welcome introduction to the new currency notes. Not just front, but the top right side of the back too bears the value in Devanagari.
4. The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has been shifted to centre and its alignment changed. Not only this, using a magnifying glass, the text ‘RBI’ could be read on a spectacle of the portrait. It’s always difficult to copy all the subtle nuances of micro-texts.
5. Micro alpha-numerals ‘RBI’ and denominational value printed beside Gandhi portrait on the right side. Not just the micros but the exact spacing and placing of all the macros make it all the more difficult to counterfeit.
6. The security thread now changes colour from green to blue when tilted. It is also encrypted with ‘bharat’ (in Hindi), RBI and denominational numeral. The security thread is basically a thin ribbon threaded through the note’s paper. This is the most essential component in telling real from fake. It’s made of metal and weaved in such a manner that at places it emerges on front and at remaining on the rear side.
7. The guarantee and promise clauses along with RBI emblem and Governor’s signature have been shifted towards the right. The placing of most of the points has been altered minutely or significantly.
8. Watermarks of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait and denominational value. These watermarks are also encrypted.
9. The numerals of number panel now grow from small to big on top left and bottom right sides. ‘Ascending font’ or ‘exploding font’ was introduced last year for the first time on Rs 100 notes as a measure against counterfeit notes.
10. This denominational numeral also changes colour from green to blue when tilted.
11. Specially encrypted Ashoka Pillar Emblem.
12. Horizontal rectangle with Denominational value ‘raised printed’ in it- which means it could be felt if touched.
13. Angular bleed lines in raised print. Both the Horizontal rectangle with raised print and Bleed lines are also helpful for visually disabled people as well besides being difficult to copy.
14. Year of printing on the note.
15. Swach Bharat slogan’s logo.
16. The language panel has been moved towards the centre.
17. Motif depicting India’s maiden and globally appreciated inter-planetary venture- Mangalyaan.
In bills of Rs. 500, instead of Mangalyaan, India’s marvel- Red Fort has found a place. Also, the 500 notes don’t have the micro alpha-numerals (point number 5). Otherwise, all the other points are comparable from both denominations (500 and 2000).
‘Intaglio print’ or raised print reckons a special mention here. The rectangular part with denominational value and the bleed lines (points 12 and 13) not only help us in verifying the authenticity of the note but also aid the visually impaired people in identifying the denomination.
Possibly the long waiting time in queues at banks has taken its toll on ‘netizens’, and unsurprisingly a lot of rumours are trending regarding the notes. A few popular ones being the misspelt Devanagari script denominational value and the notes losing colour when dipped in water. In days to come, there may be more interestingly absurd additions to the list but let’s not fall prey and trust just reliable and bona fide sources.
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References: economic times, business-standard
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