Interesting 75 variation/error?

[steve B]

I've had this pair of Toby Harrah cards for a few years, and it's a bit of a puzzle. I've never seen something like this listed anywhere. It's not faded, as the red is strong on the border and hat of the one with green basepaths. There is red in the field area, but that the dots are much smaller than on the normal one. It doesn't show any typical signs of underinking.

I'm on the fence about considering it a variation, as I haven't seen any others. But I'd be hard pressed to identify exactly how it could have happened as a misprint. I'm thinking maybe a worn plate? But if so there should be more, and there should be plenty with appearances in between the two.

Steve B