The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue ₹ 500 denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series with inset letter ‘L’ in both the number panels, bearing the signature of Dr. Urjit R. Patel Governor, Reserve Bank of India, the year of printing '2016’ and Swachh Bharat Logo printed on the reverse of the Banknote.

The new ₹ 500 banknotes are different from the earlier specified bank note (SBN) series in colour, size, theme, location of security features and design elements; the principal features are –

• The size is 66mm x150mm
• The colour is stone grey
• Red Fort-an image of Indian heritage site with Indian flag on the reverse

The banknote also has features (intaglio printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed lines, circle with ₹ 500 in the right, and the identification mark) which enable the visually impaired person to identify the denomination.

The banknotes issued earlier vide Press Release No. 2016-2017/1146 dated November 08, 2016 will continue to be legal tender.

Alpana Killawala
Principal Adviser

Currency issuance: new banknote introduced with inset letter and enhanced security features; earlier series remains legal tender. New Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series banknotes bearing inset letter 'L' will be issued with the Governor's signature, year of printing and Swachh Bharat logo; they differ from the earlier specified series in colour, size (66 mm x 150 mm) and reverse design (Red Fort with flag). The notes include enhanced security and tactile features-intaglio portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed lines, denomination circle and identification mark-to aid authentication and enable visually impaired persons to identify the denomination, and earlier-issued banknotes remain legal tender.