How about the three tough titles in OS1? Are they more scarce than the others as glossies? Or, is it likely that the glossy back stock was used exclusively at the beginning of the run?
Great question. I don't make assertions based on small sample sizes so I hesitate to say this is a rule. Obviously I have far fewer of the big 4 series 1 titles but I find a higher % of those are found as glossy except for Mutts. I would write off my Mutts experience to bad luck as there is no logical reason for Mutts to be shorter here. This does suggest that glossy backs were used in early runs. Also, I have found like with almost ALL variations, there is geographical indicators in play. For example, I bought a huge hoard of series 7 stickers from Michigan that contained 30 Grime Heavy's and 3 Dustys. Since then, I have noticed the trend of Grime Heavy's being sourced in the middle of the country. Same with series 3 white backs, Kansas, Missouri and surrounding areas seemed to be a heavy source. Glossy series 1's seem to be NY, NJ, Pa heavy source which perhaps aligns with their only being used in early runs. Dan's big find of Glossy's were in Pa.....Ludlow backs seem to be east coast, especially Massachusetts but also some bid finds in south east states. Of course I don't have what I would consider large enough sample sizes for all of the above to be stastically proven out but I am calling out trends.
Imagine if someone came across my series 7 hoard and saw 30 Grime Heavy's....suddenly they are relatively common!!