Vinyl pressings
by Age Of Chance · 1986
Kiss was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
AGE 5 A-1U-1- 1-12Run-off Groove Etching Side A
AGE 5 B-1U-1- 1-9Run-off Groove Etching Side B
AGE 5 A-1U-1- 1-7Variant 2 - A-side runout
AGE 5 B-1U-1- 1-5Variant 2 - B-side runout
AGE 5 A-1U-1- 1- G DANCE OR DIERunout side A
AGE 5 B-1U-1- 1 -7 AND IT FEELS LIKE A KISSRunout side B
AGE 5 A-1U-1-1 1-4 G DANCE OR DIERunout side A
AGE 5 B-1U-1- 1 -1 AND IT FEELS LIKE A KISSRunout side B
AGEL 5 A-1U-1-1-1Side A runout
AGEL 5 B-1U-1-1-x1Side B runout
AGE 5 A - 1U - 1 - 1 - 9Runout side A, stamped
AGE 5 B - 1U - 1 - 1 - X1Runout side B, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Virgin Records Ltd. VS 95112First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin VINX 173First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 951First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE L5First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE 5First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Studios AGE 5First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | US | Virgin PR 2007First year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Virgin PR 2007First year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | Virgin VSX1365 / Virgin VSX 1365First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE 5First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE 5First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE 5First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Fon Records AGE 5First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Unknown | Fon Records AGE T 512", Single | 12", Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Virgin VS 9517", Single | 7", Single |
38 vinyl pressings of Kiss are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Fon Records AGE 5, released November 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AGE 5, AGE L5, PR 2007, VSX1365) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AGE 5 A-1U-1- 1-12 and AGE 5 B-1U-1- 1-9. 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.
