Distinct digits (0 to 9) and an asterisk (*) represent distinct letters.
The letters N
and R were Not Replaced and they appear in their correct locations in the text.
I noticed the last word looked like "numbers" and came to the same conclusion as you did, until I noticed M was represented by both 1 and 3. I kept thinking I had made a mistake until I broke down and read your comments. I suppose it's allowed to have more than one number represent the same letter.
re: rest of the solution (spoiler)
