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LONDON (Jan. 13) – The Iranian regime's efforts to crush anti-government protests by brutally cracking down on street protests and blocking anti-government Web sites have only encouraged the opposition to find new ways to spread dissent. And their latest tactic – defacing bank notes with slogans like "Death to the dictator" or illustrations insulting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – could be costing the regime dearly.

The protest takes many forms. Some bills have an "X" inked over the word "Islamic" in the country's official name – the Islamic Republic of Iran – and feature scribbled-over pictures of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Others have been seen inscribed with the slogan "Down with Khamenei."

There's also evidence of more systematic defacement. Custom-made stamps featuring V-for-victory signs and hands outlined in red, representing the bloodstained palms of protesters, have been used to tag many notes.

The attack could land the central bank with a hefty bill, as it costs around 5 cents to print each new note. Just how many notes have been tampered with is hard to know. Public condemnations of the campaign by high-profile members of the government suggest it's a significant sum.

Last month, Iranian central bank official Ebrahim Darvishi declared that defaced bills would no longer be accepted in shops after Jan. 8. "Bank notes on which there are writings ... >>>