Vinyl pressings
by Aretha Franklin · 1985
30 Greatest Hits was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1985, the album's first year. 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.
SD2 00911A1 Py K Mcl CISide A etched runout
SD2∙00911B1 Py K Mcl CISide B etched runout
SD2∙00911C1 Py K Mcl CISide C etched runout
SD2∙00911D1 Py K Mcl CISide D etched runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | Atlantic SD2 911 / Atlantic SD2 00911First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Canada | Atlantic SD2C 911LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1986 | Australia | Atlantic 81668-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Europe | Atlantic 781 668-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Greece | Atlantic 816680-816681LP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1986 | Italy | Atlantic 781 668-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | US | Atlantic 81668-1 / Atlantic 7 81668-1LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Atlantic 81668-1 / Atlantic A1-81668LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1986 | US | Atlantic 81668-1 / Atlantic A1-81668LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1986 | US | Atlantic 81668LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | US | Atlantic 81668-1 / Atlantic 7 81668-1LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of 30 Greatest Hits are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Canada. One of them is Atlantic SD2 911.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SD2 911) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SD2 00911A1 Py K Mcl CI and SD2∙00911B1 Py K Mcl CI. 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.
