Could I ask for collective wisdom on this??

When we removed the dash pad from my car there is a number hand written underneath on the metal in yellow crayon.
The crayon number matches with the number which is stamped in the metal in the centre of the lower dash (underneath the knee pad).

But
It's nothing like the VIN number in the trunk or on the plate (those two match)

I have had a search through previous threads - Is the crayon number known as the 'production number' ?
What is the significance/purpose of the production number
I take it (and hope that) it's not meant to match the VIN.

Mine is a spring '72 car (I think!!!!)

Thanks all