The Real Reason Your $20 Bill Has a Bow
A Curious Mark
Most people overlook cash, but sometimes a bill stands out with “an unfamiliar symbol or tiny stamped mark.”
A common example is a small bow-and-arrow–like emblem that sparks suspicion, often mistaken for damage or counterfeiting.
What Chop Marks Are
“In reality, these markings are part of a practice known as chop marking.” Far from defacing currency,
they act as informal verification stamps, signaling that a bill has been inspected and accepted in circulation.
Historical Roots
The tradition began in ancient China, where merchants stamped silver coins after testing their purity.
“Each stamp served as a signature of trust,” and coins with multiple marks were considered more reliable. The practice later adapted to paper money.
Modern Meaning
Today, chop marks appear on U.S. bills used across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They carry “no secret meaning beyond trust”
and remain valid in U.S. banks, offering a quiet record of global travel.
