Most people handle cash without much thought, quickly folding bills into wallets and moving on. Yet occasionally a note draws attention because of a small, unusual symbol, stamp, or mark—sometimes resembling a bow and arrow near the portrait or along the edge. While these markings can initially appear suspicious, they actually reveal the bill’s international journey and the history of human commerce it has passed through.

These symbols are known as chop marks, a centuries-old method of verifying the authenticity of money. They are not vandalism or secret codes; rather, they are practical tools used by merchants and money handlers, particularly in regions where electronic verification is limited. On U.S. bills, chop marks indicate that the note has circulated globally and been inspected visually by traders who relied on trust and personal verification.

Chop marking originated in ancient China, long before paper money existed. Merchants trading silver coins would punch or stamp them after confirming their authenticity. Each mark acted as a personal guarantee, and coins often accumulated multiple stamps over time. Far from being damaged, heavily marked coins were considered trustworthy, a tangible record of scrutiny and approval.

As paper money replaced metal coins, the practice evolved. Ink stamps replaced physical punches, allowing traders to validate notes quickly in areas with limited banking infrastructure. With the rise of the U.S. dollar as the dominant international currency, the practice extended to American bills, which became the preferred medium for global trade and chop marking due to their durability and recognition.

Chop marks vary widely—circles, arrows, stars, letters, animals, or abstract designs—each representing the individual or region that applied it. The bow-and-arrow symbol on some $20 bills is one of thousands of variations, signifying only that the bill was examined and deemed genuine. Across Southeast Asia, China, parts of Africa, and Latin America, these stamps are common, used by merchants, money changers, and vendors to signal authenticity in everyday transactions.

A single bill may receive multiple chop marks as it passes through different hands, creating a layered record of trust and exchange. While lightly marked bills remain valid in the U.S., they also offer collectors and observers a glimpse into the journey of currency across borders. Each chop mark transforms a simple note into a tangible document of global commerce, a quiet testament to human interaction and the movement of money around the world.