Why Some U.S. Dollar Bills Have Strange Stamps and Symbols

At the same time, the dollar’s global popularity makes it a frequent target for counterfeiting. In regions where advanced authentication tools are limited or unavailable, people have historically relied on practical, low-tech methods to confirm whether a bill is real. Chop marks developed as one such solution.

Historical Origins of Chop Marks

Early Practices in East Asia

The practice of marking money for verification has deep historical roots, particularly in East Asia. The word “chop” comes from a Chinese term referring to a seal or stamp used to signify approval or authenticity.

In ancient China, trade often relied on silver ingots, coins, and weighed precious metals. To confirm that a piece of silver was genuine and met expected standards, merchants would test it and then stamp it with their personal or business seal.

Over time, a single silver piece might accumulate many stamps, each representing a different verification. Rather than diminishing value, these stamps increased confidence, signaling that the metal had been examined multiple times.

This system worked well in environments where formal banking institutions were limited and trust depended heavily on personal reputation.

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