Vinyl pressings
by ABBA · 1982
The Best Of ABBA was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 6 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
1117 074 S1Record 1, A-side
1117 074 S2Record 1, B-side
1117 075 S1=2Record 2, A-side
1117 075 S2Record 2, B-side
RDS- 9829-A3Side A, Etched variant 1
RDS- 9829-B2Side B, Etched variant 1
RDS- 9830- A3Side C, Etched variant 1
RDS 9830 B2Side D, Etched variant 1
MX206557Side A Label
MX206558Side B Label
MX206559Side C Label
MX206560Side D Label
RDS-9829-A SELECÇÕES READER'S DIGESTSide A
RDS-9829-B SELECÇÕES READER'S DIGEST THE BEST OF ABBASide B
RDS-9830-A SELECÇÕES READER'S DIGEST THE BEST OF ABBASide C
RDS-9830-B SELECÇÕES READER'S DIGEST THE BEST OF ABBASide D
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Reader's Digest RD4-318 / RCA RD4-318First yearLP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1982 | Germany | Das Beste Reader's Digest 1117076 / Polydor ABA 7672First yearLP, Box Set, Compilation | LP, Box Set, Compilation |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Reader's Digest DRDS 2948 / Polydor DRDS 2948First yearLP, Compilation, Box Set, Compilation | LP, Compilation, Box Set, Compilation |
| 1982 | Portugal | Selecções Do Reader's DigestFirst yearLP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1982 | South Africa | Reader's Digest GABA A 112First yearLP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1982 | South Africa | Reader's Digest RDC K81003ZZFirst yearLP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1982 | UK | Reader's Digest GABA A-112 / CBS GABA A-112First yearLP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1983 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | Reader's Digest GABA A-112LP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| 1983 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | Reader's Digest GABA A-112LP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK & Europe | Reader's Digest GABA-A-053 / CBS GABA-A-053LP, Compilation, Box Set, Compilation | LP, Compilation, Box Set, Compilation |
10 vinyl pressings of The Best Of ABBA are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in Netherlands, UK, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is Reader's Digest DRDS 2948.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DRDS 2948, GABA A-112, RD4-318, 1117076) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 1117 074 S1 and 1117 074 S2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
