Is there any clear and concise source as to knowing what banknotes have become obsolete and what ones haven't? Wikipedia is sorta hit-and-miss in this aspect.
Did you notice that two banknotes which appear to be similar can have two different dates or signatures on them?
The MRI Bankers Guide is the bible for current notes. It is expensive but you can find older editions at lower prices. http://www.mriguide.com/