Why some Indian notes carry a star (*) to replace misprints

By Akanksha
April 20, 2026

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Replacement Mark

A star (*) marks a replacement note issued when a defective one is removed during printing, ensuring continuity without reprinting the entire serial batch.

Serial Logic

Instead of duplicating serial numbers, the star replaces the prefix/suffix format, preserving uniqueness while filling gaps created by rejected notes.

Quality Control

Currency printing involves strict inspection; flawed notes are destroyed, and star-marked notes are inserted to maintain exact production counts.

No Reissue Cycle

Star notes are not re-circulated versions of old currency; they are freshly printed substitutes created during the original production process.No Reissue Cycle

Batch Integrity

They help maintain the integrity of a print run, ensuring that the total number of notes in a series remains consistent despite defects.

Identification Ease

The star symbol allows banks and authorities to quickly identify replacement notes without altering denomination, design, or security features.

Collector Interest

While legally equivalent to regular notes, star-marked currency often draws attention from collectors due to its distinct production role.

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