Are Differences In The Orientation Of Edge Writing Collected?

It depends on the method of manufacture. For the 1 pound coins, the edge lettering is added via a separate process, after the coin is struck; the orientation is random.

For other coins, the edge lettering is imparted by the collar die, when the coin is struck. This is certainly true of earlier edge lettering examples, such as British crowns. In this case, there is (usually) an "intended orientation", which is more common, and an "error orientation" which resulted from the collar die being inserted upside down.

I do not know which is the case for the French coins.

As for the direct question: no, I don't collect edge varieties, even when such things are denoted in the catalogues. I should perhaps say that I don't actively seek them out. If I happen to obtain two examples of the same coin, and it turns out that they have "different orientations" and the catalogue gives separate entries for them, then I will keep them both. Otherwise, "it's a duplicate", and I will only keep the higher grade example.

The biggest problem with collecting edge orientations, for me at least, would be display. My "good coins" are all in 2x2s, which tend to obscure edge engravings.

Thanks for the replies Sap and NumisRob. Very informative.

I don't have many edge-inscribed coins but I don't seek out the different orientations either. I'm interested in varieties and I would call this an error (I suppose it falls under the category of upset die?).