The physical properties of the Polish variety of lentil seed, Tina and the Canadian variety, Laird Lentil (the most popular variety imported into Poland) were compared. The parameters of individual seeds (size distribution, mass per 1000 seeds) and the parameters of bulk seed (the bulk density, the porosity, the angle of internal friction, the wall friction coefficient and the pressure ratio) of both varieties were compared for the moisture content of the seed within the range 9 to 21%. The seeds of the Canadian variety were found to be shapelier than the seeds of the Polish variety. The different swelling characteristics observed between the two varieties can be attributed to the different anatomical structures of the seed coating /husk/ in the two varieties. The seed coating of the Polish variety is rougher than that of the Canadian variety. Microscope photos of cross-sections of the seeds indicated that the seed coat of the Canadian variety is approximately twice as thin as the Polish variety. The concentration of papillary cells on the surface of the seed coat is higher in the case of the Canadian variety which produces a smoother surface than does the Polish variety. The mechanical properties of bulk seed were similar for both varieties.