Netherlands
1956- Label and catalog number
- Philips B 21803 H
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
AA 21785.1 H=1MRunout side A
AA 21802.2-H=2ARunout side B
AA 21785.1 HLabel side A
AA 21802.2 HLabel side B
Frankie LaineSixteen Tons / I Heard The Angels Singing
Vinyl pressings
Sixteen Tons / I Heard The Angels Singing
by Frankie Laine · 1956
10 pressings7 countriesFolkWorld& Country
Sixteen Tons was first pressed on vinyl in 1956. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Sixteen Tons
5 pressings came out in 1956, the album's first year, in 4 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.
Netherlands
1956- Label and catalog number
- Philips 321 803 BF
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Finland
1956- Label and catalog number
- Philips B 21803 H
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Germany
1956- Label and catalog number
- Philips 321 803 BF
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Italy
1956- Label and catalog number
- Philips 321 803 BF
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
AA 321 785.1FLabel side A
AA 321 802.2FLabel side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Finland | Philips B 21803 HFirst yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | Germany | Philips 321 803 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1956 | Italy | Philips 321 803 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | Netherlands | Philips B 21803 HFirst yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | Netherlands | Philips 321 803 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Belgium | Philips B 321 803 F7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Denmark | Philips B 21803 HShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | France | Philips B 321.803F7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Germany | Philips B 21803 HShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Italy | Philips B 21803 HShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
Tracklist
- ASixteen Tons
- BI Heard The Angels Singing
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Sixteen Tons are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Sixteen Tons are listed here, from 7 countries.
When was Sixteen Tons first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1956, in Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Italy. One of them is Philips B 21803 H.
How do I tell if my copy of Sixteen Tons is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use B 21803 H, 321 803 BF) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AA 21785.1 H=1M and AA 21802.2-H=2A. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Sixteen Tons on vinyl worth?
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.
