Twenty Rupee Note - Part One

The Index on Currencies gives the links to all currencies
The Index to all articles is here

This article is written as 9 part series. The first 6 describe the regular issue. The last 3 post gives the details of the Star Series. Please use the Previous - Next to navigate or use the Currency Tab to get a link to list of all posts.

Part 1: Notes by S Jaganathan, KR Puri, M Narasimham, I G Patel
Part 2: Notes by Manmohan Singh, RN Malhotra, C Rangarajan, Bimal Jalan
Part 3: Notes by YV Reddy
Part 4: Notes by D Subba Rao
Part 5: Notes by Raghuram Rajan
Part 6: Notes by Urjit Patel

Star Series:
Part 1: Notes by YV Reddy, D Subba Rao
Part 2: Notes by Raghuram Rajan
Part 3: Notes by Urjit Patel


The first issue of the Rs 20 was introduced after more than 20 years of Independence.
The 20 Rupees was first introduced during the tenor of S Jagannathan

There are 3 designs of the notes so far.

  1. Parliament House Orange Note
  2. Konark Wheel
  3. Gandhi Series - Nature bordered with floral design

Parliament house, with flag.

This particular design was only issued by S Jagannathan. The note had a distinct orange colour.
Obverse: Shield shaped window for Ashoka Emblem as watermark on the left side. The emblem in ink on the right side. The value 20 written in center with the governors signature below.
Reverse:  Although the Parliament house has been used on quite a few notes, the design on this is quite distinct. The language panel is on the left The value was written in 13 languages.
Size:         47x63
Numbering: Prefix of 3 characters. First one Alphabet with 2 Numbers below the alphabet.



Rs 20 - S Jagannathan - First Issue
Design: Parliament
Prefix: A/01 to A/49
Size: 147x63




Rs 20 - S Jagannathan - Wrong Kashmari
Design: Parliament
Prefix: A/50 to C/49
Size: 147x63


Rs 20 - S Jagannathan - Right Kashmari
Design: Parliament
Prefix: C/50 to D
Size: 147x63



Differentiating between Wrong and Right Kashmiri.
The simplest way is to look at the prefix.
Otherwise look at the language pannel in the back of the note.
The Kashmiri is on line 5. Notice the first set of characters.
Wrong Kashmiri will look like;


 The Right Kashmiri will look like;


Konark Wheel

The next design again during the tenor of S Jagnathan was the Konark Wheel. This note had quite a few security improvements over the previous design.
Obverse: Ashoka Emblem in Circular watermark window on the left. The Emblem on the right. The language panel next to watermark with value in 13 languages. The value 20 in the center.
Reverse: "Wheel" as in the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. The temple in the background.
Size: 147x63
Numbering Convention: Prefix of 3 characters in single line adopt. First two Numeric with 1 Alphabet.




Rs 20 - S Jagannathan - No Inset
New design introduced with Konark wheel at the back
Design: Konark Wheel
Prefix: A to C
Size: 147x63



Rs 20 - K R Puri - No Inset
Design: Konark Wheel
Prefix: D to H
Size: 147x63




Rs 20 - M Narasimham - No Inset
Design: Konark Wheel
Prefix: K to L
Size: 147x63




Rs 20 - I G Patel - No Inset
Design: Konark Wheel
Prefix: M to W
Size: 147x63



Rs 20 - I G Patel - A Inset
Design: Konark Wheel
Prefix: A to C
Size: 147x63






31 comments:

  1. How to identify Wrong Kashmari, Right Kashmari & No Kashmari in 20 Rs S Jagannathan Reverse Parlimant House ???

    ReplyDelete
  2. There only Wrong & Right Kashmiri. Easiest is to identify the prefix. Anything above C50 is Right Kashmiri.

    ReplyDelete
  3. E-1 and E-2 are literally the same . They don't have any insets and above all both of them have incorrect KASHMIRI ( A1 to A49 and A50 to C50 ) . What is the fun of classifying them as different ? What's the difference between the two ? None I would say . With E-3 is understood ( Correct KASHMIRI ) . Shouldn't it have been E-1 and E-2 necessarily or is their something that I am missing out ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Agreed. There is essentially no difference, both have incorrect Kashmari. The only difference is Color ... the First Issue is dark in color and the subsequent ones are light. Did this need a different classification, well how would dealers make money.

    ReplyDelete
  5. is there full konark wheel on rs 20 note

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nope. Konark Wheel comes only in one design as shown.

    ReplyDelete
  7. No sir , 20 rs full chakra is also release in past
    Their is two type of chakra note release by government full chakra and half chakra.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Read the article on Fakes. The full Chakra is a FAKE NOTE done by using an ordinary printer.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sir its really confusing, these FANCY notes of 20rs Full Chakra, & 10rs 3 Peacock note.
    Sir please clarify whether there ever were any real Full Charkra & 3 peacock note.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. There are no real full chakra or 3 peacocks note. They are fake, reprinted on real note. Read http://coinsofrepublicindia.blogspot.in/2012/03/fake-indian-coins-and-currencies-part-3.html

      Delete
  10. Thanks for the reply and great article.Its really a good guide.
    I had come across a guy on ebay selling a "FULL CHAKRA" on auction.He stated that its 100% genuine etc.I confronted him based on your article, even sent him the link. But hes ready to swear on his life that its a genuine note.
    Another seller confessed that the notes are real but the WHEEL is FANCY on it.And these sellers are really selling them at very high prices on eaby.
    I was initially very much inclined towards owning a FULL WHEEL not , but now I am not gonna buy.Thanks to your article.
    Wishing all the readers a Happy & Prosperous NEW YEAR 16.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you didn't buy. Quite a few dealers also don't know any thing

      Delete
  11. Dear Sir, I would request you to please enlighten about Khadi Hundi Notes.Their history & denominations printed in subsequent years.
    I have a full set of 1953 issued- 2,5 & 1Ors.
    On searching, i wasn't able to come across much information,but I did find out a special RBI issue of 100rs KH note.Further I found on ebay many different Rajasthan Khadi Association Notes & newer Khadi Hundi notes issued by Khadi and Village Corporation, with same designs as the older issues but all different colours and stamps.
    So are these notes, worth collection,do they have any value. Some knowledge about the Khadi Hundi would be great.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Khadi Hindi notes were more as fund raising to support khadi. Later one would use these to buy khadi goods from designated shops.

      What you see on eBay or most other places are fake printed recently ...

      RBI did not issue any khadi notes. RBI did issue a special Gandhi note series in 1969 on birth centenary. making it the only commemorative note issue.

      Delete
  12. Thanks a lot about the info.I have the Gandhi Commemorative Full Note & coin series.
    I dint buy any new Khadi Hundi notes.But I do have 1953, original stamped & signed 2,5 & 10rs notes.
    Sir, regarding the KH 100rs note, I found a bit about it. Its listed in the South Asian catalog, with Bharat Mata with a flag printed on it.Its printed on a paper with charkha water mark.It also stated its a RBI private issue, & got sold for 9000rs. The original is green coloured.

    ReplyDelete
  13. hello once again.
    sir i would like to know about KG V 2rs 8 anna note.
    how to identify whether such notes are original or fakes.
    i have come across a seller and he has a mint condition note, which rang all my alarms,as it was too perfect for the actual life of the note.
    is there any way we can know if its genuine.
    a reply would be appreciated. thankyou

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The KG V Rs 2 and 8 Anna is a very popular note. Quite expensive. There are quite a few type of fakes. Some are so good that even reputed dealers have purchased fakes. So my advise buy face to face from reputed dealers, so even if it turns out fake later you get a refund from the dealer.

      Delete
  14. sir please send me you email id, i would like to send you the pics. i have a feeling that its a fake, but a super fake,very beautifully created with all details and water mark,so i cant be fully sure.
    i told the seller i would get it verified by PMG expert & would return it if its fake,he has agreed to it.if its worth it i dont want to let it go.
    i need an expert advice,so may be you can advice after watching the images.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This blog is really very informative. Please guide if I can find at some place the complete information about all currency notes like the one above on Rs. 20. One above is a very well designed article. So complete. Thanks

    Inderpreet Singh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All Indian notes are listed on this blog. Click home to get a link to various posts

      Delete
  16. Can i know how can we valuate our old notes value as an antique. I have 2rs., 20rs. Signed by c. Rangrajan and 50rs note

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dear sir, is there a "One Rupee 1972- I G Patel.Colour Variation Error- Red colour:
    I have come across 3 serial 1 rupee Red notes of I G Patel.
    please share your email id,so i can send you the images.
    I want to know whether they are genuine or not?
    Was there ever a Red 1 rupee 1972 IG Patel note in circulation, or is it just a colour error?

    ReplyDelete
  18. @yahoo.com?

    Sir, I also managed to track down same Red note of 1973 M G Kaul.
    Please confirm your email so i can send the images of both the notes.

    Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  19. C Rangrajan ( Governor) -- B inset Konark wheel note. Is that okay.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have brand new first 20rs note bandal. Starting no is A38 061001..any body tell me today what's the price... Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wanna buy if u wish
      miteshpatel882@gmail.com

      Delete
  21. What is the price of the first note as in image? Available for sale?

    ReplyDelete