1944S just crushed or maybe something

[Amadauss]

Have this 1944 S that has the date seem larger then normal but thinking it could be just a crushed number being flattened out. Is this the case and thanks for the help.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1715/1944s.jpg

[Roller]

I looks like a hit running diagonally, involving both 4s.

[1sgret]

Looks to be old counting wheel damage to the date is one possiability.