Why a Bow and Arrow Symbol Appears in Certain U.S. Currency Designs

Have you ever noticed a U.S. dollar bill with small stamps, symbols, or inked markings that seem unusual or out of place? At first glance, these markings can look mysterious or even suspicious, but they often represent a fascinating part of the bill’s history. These marks are commonly called chop marks, and they are not random graffiti or damage.

Instead, they are stamps added by money handlers, traders, or currency exchangers to show that the bill has been checked and accepted as genuine. Each mark quietly records a stop along the bill’s journey through different hands and locations.