I'd guess the colors are different. The second one looks to have more pink in it, while the first appears to have more orange. Personally, I like the color and the style of #2 better... But if you want a coat in dark coral, I think the first one fits the bill of that color moniker better...
It is completely misleading if the second coat is supposed to be "dark coral." It does not in the slightest bit resemble coral. In my experience with J. Crew, their photos online are not accurate, which is understandable, but I ordered flip flops in punch, which appeared to be a nice not-too-bright shade of pink, but when I got them they were actually like fluorescent pink! Soo...they might be different shades because they are different coats, but I still don't think the second coat is supposed to be coral. Maybe you could call customer service and ask them?