a printer's "registration" error for the chip on the left, and it looks like the black ink was the issue.

Using your scans, this my reasoning...

Everything black should be shifted (slightly) up on the left chip. If that was done, the redish coloration of the fence or track (left of the pole) would be visible, as it is on the right-hand chip.

Moreover, the "$1" would be aligned at the top of the yellow background, as it is on the right-hand chip.

Generally, the printing details of the right-hand chip are better than the left-hand chip.

Just my opinion, and I'd rather have the chip on the left!

Jim