Vinyl pressings
by Judy Collins · 1970
Amazing Grace was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. 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 1970, 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.
2101020 A//3 420 1 1 6Runout, A-side, stamped, Variant 1
2101020 B//1 420 1 3 1 6Runout, B-side, stamped, Variant 1
2101020 A // 1 ∇ 420 1 2 2 3Runout, A-side, stamped, Variant 2
2101020 B // 1 ∇ 420 1 1 3 4Runout, B-side, stamped, Variant 2
2101020 A//3 ▽ 420 11 40A Side Run Off, Variant 1
2101020 B//1 ▽ 420 13 30B Side Run Off, Variant 1
2101020 A//3 ▽ 420 1 2 9A Side Run Off, Variant 2
2101020 B//1 ▽ 420 11 63B Side Run Off, Variant 2
2101020 A//4⛛420 05 1 1 1 2Side A runout, stamped
2101020 B//2⛛420 04 1 1 9Side B runout, stamped
2101020 A//1 ▽ 420Side A runout
2101020 B//1 ▽ 420Side B runout
2101-020 ASide A label
2101-020 BSide B label
2101020 A//1 ▽ 420A Side Run Off
2101020 B//1 ▽ 420B Side Run Off
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Ireland | Polydor 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Ireland | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Ireland | Polydor 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Ireland | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Israel | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Netherlands | Elektra EKSH 304First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Elektra 2101-020First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Germany | Metronome J 27074 / Metronome J 27 0747", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Germany | Elektra J 27 074 / Elektra 12 0087", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo |
| 1971 | Sweden | Metronome J 27.0747", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Elektra 2101-0207", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Germany | Elektra ELK 12 008 / Elektra 45 7097", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Elektra ELK 12 008 / Exulta J 27 0747", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| ? | Germany | Elektra ELK 12 008 / Elektra 45 7097", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Reissue |
| ? | UK | Elektra 2101-0207", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
21 vinyl pressings of Amazing Grace are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1970 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in UK, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands. One of them is Elektra 2101-020.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2101-020, EKSH 304) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2101020 A//3 420 1 1 6 and 2101020 B//1 420 1 3 1 6. 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.
