Jim -- I looked at the two birds under high intensity lights and 45x loop. I have scanned both the $5 and the $25, blowing each scan up to where I am examing only small parts at a time like the foot with a small loop under it and the triangle shape between the claws, the thickening of the line under the foot. I have also done this to the head area. The wings in various spots. The conclusion is that the birds were done with the same hot stamp, so I don't understand the difference in the TRC. I don't have any evidence where the chips were used, but it has to be the same place.
The only other thing I can think to do is compare it to a match book with the address on it. It may help, but will not be conclusive as the only one I have seen is one with the colored type not from a hot stamp.