I posted a response on the ChipBoard but not sure it shows up with the original message. I don't normally read the Chip Board since I'm only interested in slot cards so I'm always here.

The main difference between the 2 first issue cards you asked about is really the Data Card PA manufacturer mark that appears above the mag stripe on the back of the card at the left side. One card has it and the other doesn't. It's not really the color differences since that can happen even in the same issue on the same print run.

Hopefully that helps.