I would consider it part of the normal manufacturing process. Chipco puts both obverse & reverse surfaces on at the same time (so they are "coin aligned"). In a separate step, the edge band it rolled on, so it could be oriented in either direction, and likely, the batch of chips will be approx. 50/50 either way. The only difference is when they are doing "stackers". All the stackers will have the edge puzzle aligned the same way (i.e. with the common side always being up (or down) so the stackers read correctly when stacked.

It's the same concept as the H&C chips with 2 different images on obverse & reverse, when side-by-side inserts are used. When you read the insert colors going clockwise, prox. half will have the obverse side up, other half will have the reverse side up. This was first discussed with the "Bud Ice" chips from Atlantic City. Some chippers will collect one of each. Personally, I don't consider it a different variety.