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.
What Are Chop Marks?
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.
Historical Roots
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.
