Weight adjustment marks can be seen on the lower right quadrant of this 1797 Half Dollar. The adjustment marks appear as file marks going in various directions, which distinguishes them from roller marks, which are generally parallel. Although adjustment marks were often obliterated by the force of the strike when the coin was made, this Half Dollar was weakly struck on the last few letters of AMERICA, allowing the adjustment marks to be clearly visible through the letters. It is also possible that some of these marks were made after striking.
The adjustment mark on the lower left side of the wreath ties demonstrates especially well the fact that these marks are usually made on the planchet before striking. This adjustment file mark extends up from below the wreath tie to the left of the 1/2, goes underneath the branch of the wreath, emerges again in the field, goes under the branch again, and then emerges on the plain spot of the flower.
Some of the marks around and to the right of the eagle also clearly go beneath the device, showing that it was on the planchet before striking.
The adjustment mark on the lower left side of the wreath ties demonstrates especially well the fact that these marks are usually made on the planchet before striking. This adjustment file mark extends up from below the wreath tie to the left of the 1/2, goes underneath the branch of the wreath, emerges again in the field, goes under the branch again, and then emerges on the plain spot of the flower.
Some of the marks around and to the right of the eagle also clearly go beneath the device, showing that it was on the planchet before striking.