Perhaps the dry seed will shatter or split. ???

These folks from the Nebraska extension

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2543&context=extensionhist

say "Do not drop bean seed more than 4 feet. Seed damage can be expected when seed is dropped more than 4 feet to a hard, flat surface."

This is about mechanized harvesting of edible dry beans, but probably applies to seeds you want to grow as well.

Thanks for the replies! I've read that cracked pea seeds won't germinate, and maybe it's the same with beans.

Somewhat confusingly, it is being said in the cannibis community that cracking seeds before planting helps germination. As in, with a pliers, or maybe your teeth. There are some arguments here, though, so it's hard to know what to believe. I believe that's true that cracked soybean seeds are understood to have reduced germination rate. It may be that cracking seeds before planting allows water to reach the embryo faster, but it also compromises protection of the embryo from all manner of threats, and might even damage the embryo. Somewhat like over-scarification. So I guess if you're going to gently crack seeds, maybe by dropping them, plant them immediately!

😁Love learning and reading something new, even better when it makes me laugh, though no clue why! All reasonable conclusions.