This appears to be quite common on the date of IHC series, where the lower loop of the 9 runs into the upper loop. It is not a variety. I'm not positive of the reason for it but I suspect that its because prior to 1909 the date was hand punched into the working die. Many times it took more than one blow to get a satisfactory image. Also, there may have been many different date punches used. Either one of these may account for the different shapes of the 9 in the date.




















