Byjune 1972, Bowie was really gaining momentum and the release of The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust… was highly anticipated. No doubt due to the numbers that this album was expected to sell, more copies were manufactured and fewer variants exist. However, given its popularity, many people who own first pressings played them often, meaning that finding one in serviceable condition is a task.
True first UK issues pre-date the contract with Mainman and have Titanic/Chrysalis credits on the centre labels of the record, whereas second issues are credited to Mainman/Chrysalis and subsequent issues just Mainman. The very first issues also have matrix numbers ending inlE and 2E.