The "Design & The Designer" album is an elite reference and physical banknote collection tailored for numismatists who look beyond serial numbers and focus on the micro-artistry of Indian currency.
While millions of people handle Indian banknotes daily, very few notice the hidden marks left behind by the master engravers and artists at the India Security Press. This album serves as both an educational masterclass and a curated portfolio, documenting the 18 key Republic India banknotes that feature designer initials, hidden signatures, or iconic symbol contributions.
What Makes This Collection Unique?
- Uncovering Hidden Numismatic History: The album highlights hidden design elements—such as CAB (C. A. Belgaonkar), PBC (P. B. Chitnis), BTJ (B. T. Jagtap), TC, and historic design contributions from figures like T. Archer and D. Udaya Kumar (creator of the modern ₹ Indian Rupee symbol).
- 17 Real Notes + 1 High-Quality Facsimile: The set includes 17 banknotes mounted inside clear protective sleeves. A high-quality color facsimile/photocopy is provided for the rare ₹100 note to ensure the 18-note visual sequence remains complete and uninterrupted.
- Deep Micro-Level Research: Every note is accompanied by its own dedicated reference card. These cards pinpoint the exact coordinates of designer initials (often hidden in micro-lines, semi-circles, or subtle background patterns) so you can easily locate them under magnification.
Album Breakdown & Contents
| Component |
Detail |
| Total Sleeves |
20 Clear Archival Display Sheets |
| Descriptive Cards |
20 Printed Reference Cards with full technical breakdowns |
| Banknotes Included |
17 Indian Banknotes + 1 Facsimile Reference Note |
| Technical Data Provided |
Obverse/reverse details, watermark descriptions, color profiles, mint locations, dimensions, and initial locations |
Detailed Reference Breakdown Across Notes
- 1 Rupee Notes: Details C. A. Belgaonkar’s initials (CAB) micro-tinted near the watermark and central panels on notes featuring the Sagar Samrat offshore oil rig.
- 2 Rupees Notes: Covers P. B. Chitnis’s initials (PBC) concealed in circular and anti-clockwise patterns on famous designs like the Standing Tiger and the 1969 Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary issue.
- Higher Denominations (5, 10, 20, 100, 500 Rupees): Maps out artistic variations, typography, micro-engravings, and monogram placements across multiple historical series.
This album bridges the gap between basic banknote collecting and advanced numismatic research—making it an indispensable addition to any serious collector's library.