Notice how the “2” is different. This is how a small date 2 looks like. There are different ways to tell, but I find this the easiest.
Small Date - the 2 bows out before reaching the base. The 8 is also the same size Large date - the 2 does NOT bow out before reaching it's base. The 8 is also taller.
Go here and do some research. It'll help you a lot. Thanks for posting and Welcome to Coin Talk !! smalldates.html
The way I know is that the Small Date 2 looks like a backwards letter S or a snake.. for Small Then the Large Date 2 looks like a small L.. for Large