I always thought 1997 would have been the year they did the artwork for their "sensor" chips when they replaced the coin center $25 and up. It may have had something to do with a new logo and/or a new corporate name and/or I don't know. I would assume the new chips have this date for whatever same reason, and/or because the artwork was already easily available.

I would guess LLC means Limited Liability Corporation, but I'm just guessing. Maybe the lawyers on the board know. Gee, they ought to be good for SOMETHING!