1956 D large and small dates

[cranky]

Never noticed before. But I'm finding several of these.
The 9 has a longer tail and wider curve. The 5 has a larger and wider curve. As does the 6.

[Maineman750]

The coin on the left is showing the effects of circulation wear .Here are the large and small dates for the Lincoln Series http://www.lincolncentresource.com/s...malldates.html

[jcuve]

I agree, circulation wear. There are many factors that make devices on a coin look different. Damage, die wear, circulation wear, etc. It is almost impossible to assess such characteristics without using uncirculated coins, understanding the characteristics of the design in question and an understanding of the multistage die making process. That said, I don't think anyone will be finding a switch in styles for the date on a Lincoln cent. A change to the design or a mismatched design (like the 1999 WAM) on a Lincoln reverse is possible. The obverses have been looked at and studied by so many, for so long, that a different styled date couldn't have gone undetected for all these years.