Yes, it is random. For bi-metal coins after the two parts are joined,
then next stage is adding the edge lettering, then from that machine
they fall into a container, from which they randomly go into a
press which at the same time adds the obverse and reverse together.
I have these two UK coins and one Georgia coin that missed that last stage ...
Lettering:
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP MANCHESTER 2002
GEORGIA TEN LARI