Chop Marks: The Quiet Global Journey of U.S. Dollar Bills
Some U.S. dollar bills feature strange marks — small stamps, symbols, or initials not part of the official design. These are known as chop marks, and they tell a story of a bill’s journey through global markets and money exchanges.
Chop marks are tiny, stamped symbols placed on bills by currency handlers, primarily in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They indicate that the bill has been verified as authentic, easing distrust in areas where counterfeit currency is more common.
The term “chop” originates from China, a hub for stamped silver coins. Merchants stamped coins to prove their legitimacy. This practice has since extended to paper money — especially U.S. dollars, which circulate widely abroad.
Confirm authenticity after security checks
Trace a bill’s journey through local financial systems
Build trust in areas lacking centralized currency verification
Stylized initials or unique signs (e.g., a bow and arrow)