Imagine opening your old drawer and finding a 100 rupee note that someone claims is worth Rs 18 lakh. Sounds unbelievable, right? Yet thousands of Indians are rushing to check their notes because viral videos promise huge payouts for “rare” notes. Before you get excited or contact any number shown online, you need to know what’s actually true, what’s false, and how you can safely sell a valuable note without falling into a scam.

What’s the Reality Behind the Rs 18 Lakh Claim?

Many viral posts claim that one special 100 rupee note can get you lakhs or even crores. These posts often appear on:

• YouTube shorts

• WhatsApp forwards

• TikTok-style reels

• Facebook groups

Because the messages look convincing, people often believe they’ve found a hidden treasure. However, these claims are not supported by the Reserve Bank of India or any official authority.

Several fact-checking platforms have already confirmed that such viral messages are misleading and unsafe for the public. These videos use clickbait to gain views, not to educate you.

What RBI Actually Says About Old Notes

To understand what is true, you must know the official position of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

RBI’s responsibilities:

• It prints and manages Indian currency.

• It decides which notes are valid or invalid.

• It issues official notifications on currency withdrawal.

• It provides rules for exchanging damaged or torn notes.

1. RBI does NOT buy old notes for lakhs of rupees.

2. RBI has NOT announced any scheme that offers lakhs for a 100 rupee note.

You can verify this from official sources:

• RBI Official Website: https://www.rbi.org.in

• Banknote Information Microsite: https://paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in

• Indian Currency Features: https://indiancurrency.rbi.org.in

These are the only legitimate portals for currency-related information in India.

Is the Old 100 Rupee Note Still Valid?

There is another viral message claiming that old purple, blue, or older series 100 rupee notes are no longer acceptable. This claim is also incorrect.

According to official guidelines:

• A note remains valid unless RBI withdraws it officially.

• RBI has not declared a blanket ban on old 100 rupee notes.

• Banks must accept these notes if they are genuine and not excessively damaged.

Therefore, you can still use your old 100 rupee note in regular transactions or deposit it in any bank.

Can a 100 Rupee Note Ever Be Worth Lakhs? Yes, But With Conditions

Although the viral claims are exaggerated, there is a small collector market that sometimes pays higher prices for rare notes. This market does NOT involve RBI. Instead, it involves private collectors, numismatists, and auction houses.

A 100 rupee note may have extra value if it has:

• A rare serial number

• A fancy number pattern (like 000001, 123456, 111111, 999999)

• A printing error

• A missing print or unusual ink

• A special signature or limited-edition design

• Very high physical quality (crisp, uncirculated)

In such cases, the note might attract interest from currency collectors. However, even then, the price depends on rarity and demand—not on fake viral claims.

How to Legally Sell a Rare 100 Rupee Note

If you believe your note might be rare, you must follow safe and legal methods to explore its value.

You may:

• Visit recognised numismatic clubs

• Approach certified currency dealers

• Check listings on reputable auction houses

• Attend coin and currency fairs

Before selling anything, compare prices and verify the buyer’s authenticity. The collector community is legitimate, but you must stay cautious because scammers often copy their methods.

Platforms Where People Usually Sell Collectible Notes

Although no platform guarantees lakhs, these places help collectors connect:

• Physical numismatic exhibitions

• Trusted currency dealers in your city

• Reputed auction companies (check legality before participating)

• Collector forums and associations

Always research the platform, look for previous seller reviews, and avoid sharing personal banking details with strangers.

Red Flags: Signs of a Currency Scam

Because scammers benefit when people are excited or hopeful, they create fake promises to trap victims.

Avoid anyone who:

• Claims to be an “RBI officer”

• Asks for registration fees

• Demands money to “authenticate the note”

• Provides a random WhatsApp or Telegram number

• Says “Government will give you Rs 18 lakh instantly”

• Offers doorstep collection or secret buying schemes

Most victims lose money because they trust “official-sounding” voices without verifying details.

What Should You Do If You Have an Old Note?

Follow these steps:

• Check if the note has a unique pattern

• Compare it with samples on RBI’s official microsite

• Preserve it safely if it appears rare

• Consult genuine numismatic experts

• Avoid viral videos, because they are rarely factual

This is the only secure and practical method.

Official Websites for Accurate Information

Use only these verified government links:

• Reserve Bank of India: https://www.rbi.org.in

• Paisa Bolta Hai (RBI Education): https://paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in

• Indian Banknote Info: https://indiancurrency.rbi.org.in

If a claim is not mentioned here, treat it as doubtful.

Conclusion

Many social media posts exaggerate the value of old currency notes, and claims like “Get Rs 18 lakh for a 100 rupee note” are designed mainly to attract views. While a rare note may have collectible value, it will not be purchased by RBI or the government for huge amounts. Therefore, you should rely only on official sources, consult knowledgeable collectors, and stay cautious of online scams to ensure your safety.

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