The LCV version is always not touching the hat like the regular H&C does. It has a much larger gap to the hat.

Yes that has always been the way the newer design was distinguished, raised cane. Which is also noticeably longer. The old mold also shows loss of details over the years.

I'm going to look for another matching example to photograph. Chips from the same era and design, one with the LCV and one with the SCV.

I'm also interested in how close the C&J mold was compared to the older H&C, macro close up. Not just shiny vs dull, but actual details.

While it may seem obvious that a scanner is capable of more dpi, a scanner can't do macro work. My rather average DSLR is only 12MP, but when I have a 1:1 image or better, the camera close up is better than a 4800 dpi scanner for something that's only 1 or 2mm tall.