Vinyl pressings
by I-Level · 1983
Minefield was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 5 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.
VS - 563 - 12 - A4 timtom-cbs A MOODY PRODUCTION!Side A runout, variant 1
VS - 563 - 12 - B3 BILBO TAPE ONESide B runout, variant 1
VS.563.12 A-3 timtom-cbs A MOODY PRODUCTION!Side A runout, variant 2
VS-563-12 . B4 BILBO TAPE ONESide B runout, variant 2
VS 563 A3 TIMTOM-CBS A MOODY PRODUCTION!Etched Side A
VS 563 B3 BILBO TAPE ONEEtched Side B
VS 563 A4 TIMTOM-CBS A MOODY PRODUCTION! DEtched Side A
VS 563 B3 BILBO TAPE ONE DEtched Side B
P o XSS170899-1A COLUMBIA NY AA-Side Runout Etching
o P XSS170900-1B COLUMBIA NY AB-Side Runout Etching
XSS 170899A-Side Label
XSS 170900B-Side Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Virgin VS 56312First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Australia | Virgin VS 563First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 563First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 563-12First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 563First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | Epic 49-03856 / Virgin 49-03856First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | Epic 49-03856 / Virgin 49-03856First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Epic 34-03855 / Virgin 34-03855First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Epic 34-03855 / Virgin 34-03855First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Zimbabwe | Virgin VS 5402First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Italy | Virgin VINX 13First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 563-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Minefield are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Italy, Australia and more. One of them is Virgin VS 563-12, released April 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 563-12, VS 563, 49-03856, 34-03855) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS - 563 - 12 - A4 timtom-cbs A MOODY PRODUCTION! and VS - 563 - 12 - B3 BILBO TAPE ONE. 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.
