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If you’ve recently taken a closer look at your cash and noticed something unusual on a $20 bill—a tiny symbol that looks like a bow and arrow—you’re not alone. Many people have spotted strange markings, icons, or shapes on their money and immediately wondered if they’ve stumbled upon something rare, valuable, or even mysterious.
At first glance, it can feel like you’ve discovered a hidden secret. After all, currency is something we handle every day, yet most of us rarely examine it closely. So when something looks out of place, curiosity kicks in fast.
But before jumping to conclusions, it’s worth understanding how modern paper money is designed and printed.
In the United States, the $20 bill is produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, using highly advanced techniques to prevent counterfeiting and ensure consistency. Every detail—from the portrait to the tiny lines and patterns—is carefully planned.
The current $20 bill features Andrew Jackson on the front and includes multiple security features such as color-shifting ink, watermarks, and microprinting. These elements are intentionally complex, which can sometimes make ordinary design details look unusual or symbolic when viewed casually.
So what about the “bow and arrow” symbol?
In most cases, what people think is a bow and arrow is actually part of the bill’s intricate design—often a combination of fine lines, shapes, or printing marks that create optical illusions. These details can appear different depending on lighting, wear, folds, or even slight printing variations.
Another possibility is that the symbol isn’t part of the original design at all. Many bills in circulation get marked by people—either intentionally or accidentally. Small stamps, pen marks, or imprints from other objects can create shapes that look meaningful, even when they’re not.