Vinyl pressings
by Japan · 1982
Ghosts was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 7 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 • 472 • A3 ƱTOPIARunout, side A, var. 1
VS • 472 • 2BRunout, side B, var. 1
VS-472-A4 ƱTOPIARunout, side A, var. 2
VS-472-2BRunout, side B, var. 2
VS 47212 A-1U-1-1 TOWN HOUSESide A, stamped, variant 1
VS 47212 B-1U-1-1 TOWN HOUSESide B, stamped, variant 1
VS 47212 A-1U-1-1 1 15 TOWN HOUSESide A, stamped, variant 3
VS 47212 B-1U-1-2-4 TOWN HOUSESide B, stamped, variant 3
VSP 472 A-10 ORLAKE TOWNHOUSERunout side A
VSP472 B-10 ORLAKE TOWNHOUSERunout side B
VS-472-12-A3 ƱTOPIA DSide A, etched, (D stamped), variant 1
VS 472-12 B1 ΛSide B, etched, (Λ stamped), variant 1
VS-472-12-A3 ƱTOPIA 2 3 DSide A, etched (2 3 D stamped), variant 2
VS 472-12 B1 2 2 ASide B, etched (2 2 A stamped), variant 2
VS-472-12-A4Side A runout, etched
VS 472-12 B2 ASide B runout, etched, stamped
VS472⬩-⬩12aSide A label
VS472⬩-⬩12bSide B label
VS 47212 A-4U-1-1 TOWN HOUSE A PORKY PRIME CUT.Side A runout
VS 47212 B-1U-1-1 TOWN HOUSESide B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS 472First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS 472First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | Virgin 104 221 / Virgin 104 221-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Ireland | Virgin VS472First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VINX 854First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 472 / Virgin VS472First year7", Single, Misprint | 7", Single, Misprint |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 472-12 / Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Misprint · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Misprint · Limited |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VSY472 / Virgin VSY 472First year7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc, Single · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc, Single · Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS472-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | UK & Europe | Virgin 0602537541881 / Universal Music Group International 06025375418817", 45 RPM, Picture Disc, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Picture disc |
19 vinyl pressings of Ghosts are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1982 and 2013.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Europe, Ireland, Italy and more. One of them is Virgin VS472, released March 12, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS472, VS472-12, VSY472, 104 221) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS • 472 • A3 ƱTOPIA and VS • 472 • 2B. 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.
