Answer:
Annotating the check with a correct amount in figures that conforms to the legal amount written in words is not an alteration. It's a clarification, perhaps, but it does not change the legal amount of the check.
However, changing the legal amount (in words) to conform to the courtesy amount (in numbers) ought to be considered an alteration, especially if it raises the legal amount.
First published on BankersOnline.com 2/09/04