Vinyl pressings
by Bloodstone · 1974
Riddle Of The Sphinx was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1974, 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.
XZAL 13307 AL STERLINGRunout side A etched [STERLING, stamped]
XZAL 13308 AL STERLINGRunout side B etched [STERLING, stamped]
XZAL 13307 ALLabel side A
XZAL 13308 ALLabel side B
XZAL 13307-W ② STERLINGRunout side A
XZAL 13308-W ① STERLINGRunout side B
XZAL 13307 WLabel side A
XZAL 13308 WLabel side B
TI XZAL13307-1 ꛎ5Runout A side
TI XZAL13308-2 [Sterling Stamp] ꛎ2Runout B side
XZAL 13307 PLabel A side
XZAL 13308 PLabel B side
XZAL 13307 PLabel side A
XZAL 13308 PLabel side B
Side 1: XZAL13307 YDECX1422Last digit '2' hand etched, replacing scratched out '1'
Side 2: XZAL13308 YDECX1423
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | Decca SKLA. 5202First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Barbados | London Records PS 654First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Canada | London Records PS 654First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Japan | London Records SLC 550First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | UK | Decca SKL 5202First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654 / London Records PS654First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS654First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | London Records PS 654 / London Records PS654First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Spain | Decca SKL 5202LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Korea | Yegrin 6003LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
15 vinyl pressings of Riddle Of The Sphinx are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, UK, Australia, Barbados and more. One of them is London Records PS 654.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PS 654, PS654, SKL 5202, SKLA. 5202) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XZAL 13307 AL STERLING and XZAL 13308 AL 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.
