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Adjustment Marks

By Susan Headley, About.com

Adjustment marks can be seen in this detail of a 1797 Half Dollar.

Adjustment marks can be seen in this detail of a 1797 Half Dollar.

Photography courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries
Definition: Adjustment marks are file marks on early U.S. coins that were made by mint personnel who were removing metal from the coin planchet in order to make the weight of the coin become an exact amount. Weight adjustment marks are sometimes mistaken for roller marks.

See also: Photo Diagnostic for Roller Marks and Adjustment Marks

Also Known As: Weight Adjustment Marks
Examples: Early U.S. silver coins often exhibit adjustment marks, but they aren't considered "damage" by most coin collectors because they were part of the minting process at the time.

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