I think it is like with varieties of poker chips. They would make a run from many molds (hobs) and didn't care if there were small variations. After all, they were not making chips for collectors. I found other series with both types. I don't think TCR should bother listing those differences.

Just last night I saw the same short and long versions in a bunch of Paul-son Fun Night chips that were almost certainly made at the same time, and I mentioned this in my mold project (see comments at MD-76a):
http://www.antiquegamblingchips.com/molddesign_manmade.htm

Incidentally, can someone send me an inverted hat and cane chip?

Robert