Vinyl pressings
by Anthrax · 1987
I Am The Law was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 3 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.
12-IS-316-A-1U--1-1‒9 STERLINGSide A runout
12-IS-316-B-1U-1-1-1 STERLINGSide B runout
12 IS 316-ASide A label
12 IS 316-BSide B label
I SX 316 A-1U-1- R2Runout Side A, Variant 1
I SX 316 B-2U-1- M1Runout Side B, Variant 1
ISX 316 A-1U-1-1-R1Runout Side A, Variant 2
ISX 316 B-2U-1-1-M2Runout Side B, Variant 2
IS 316 A-1U-1-2Side A runout, variant 1
IS 316 B-1U-1-1-5Side B runout, variant 1
IS 316 A-1U-1-1-12Side A runout, variant 2
IS 316 B-1U-1-1-19Side B runout, variant 2
12-IS-316-A-1U-1-1-: I STERLINGRunout, Side A, Variant 1
12-IS-316-B-1U-1-1-: I SRERLINGRunout, Side B, Variant 1
12-IS-316-A--1U-1-1- 2 STERLINGRunout, Side A, Variant 2
12-IS-316-B-1U-1-1- 2 STERLINGRunout, Side B, Variant 2
ISX 316 A-1U-1-1Side A, stamped
ISX 316 B-2U-1-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Europe | Island Records 108 879 / Megaforce Worldwide 108 879First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Island Records 608 879 / Megaforce Worldwide 608 879First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Japan | Polystar R15D 2062First year12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 316 / Megaforce Worldwide 12 IS 316First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records ISX 316 / Megaforce Worldwide ISX 316First year7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | 7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records LAW 1 / Megaforce Worldwide LAW 1First year7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records IS 316 / Megaforce Worldwide IS 316First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 316 / Megaforce Worldwide 12 IS 316First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records ISX 316First year7", Limited Edition, Single · Limited, Colored vinyl | 7", Limited Edition, Single · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 316 / Megaforce Worldwide 12 IS 316First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | Island Records R15D-2062First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
11 vinyl pressings of I Am The Law are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Japan, Europe. One of them is Island Records 12 IS 316.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 IS 316, ISX 316, LAW 1, IS 316) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12-IS-316-A-1U--1-1‒9 STERLING and 12-IS-316-B-1U-1-1-1 STERLING. 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.
