The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue ₹ 20 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005, with the inset letter ‘R’ in both the number panels, bearing signature of Dr. Urjit R. Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, and the year of printing '2016' printed on the reverse of the banknote.

The design and security features of these banknotes to be issued now is similar to the ₹ 20 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi Series- 2005 issued earlier, except the following –

Obverse

Ascending font

The numerals in both the number panels will be in ascending size from left to right while the first three alpha-numeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in size.

Intaglio printing

The numeral “20”, RBI seal, Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, RBI legend, Guarantee and promise clause, Governor’s signature, Ashoka Pillar emblem which were hitherto printed in intaglio (raised printing) are now being printed in offset (without any raised printing). Further, rectangular identification mark on the left of the banknote has been removed.

Colour

While there is no change in the colour at the reverse, the colour at the obverse is lighter (due to removal of intaglio printing).

Latent Image

The vertical band on the right side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait hitherto contained a latent image showing the denominational numeral “20”.The latent image was visible only when the banknote was held horizontally at eye level. This feature is no longer present.

Reverse

There is no change in the reverse of the banknote.

The image of the specimen of the banknote is as follows-

All the banknotes in the denomination of ₹ 20 issued by the Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Ajit Prasad
Assistant Adviser

Press Release : 2016-2017/678