Vinyl pressings
by Michael Jackson · 1982
Billie Jean / Beat It 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.
4 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
ZSS-169 206-2C ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ LA., CALIF.G2 B3A-Side Runout Etching
ZSS-169232 - IJ ❀ G1B-Side Runout Etching
ZSS 169206Side A-Label Text
ZSS 169232Side B-Label Text
46.563-A 5-T-T ITS-914 CA-Side Runout Etching
46.563-B 5-T-T ITS-915 CB-Side Runout Etching
ITS-914A-Side Label
ITS-915B-Side Label
02-01-7653-1A 2Side A - Etched
02-01-7653-1B 2Side B - Etched
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 | Brazil | Epic 46.563 / Epic 46563First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | Malaysia | Epic E 250First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Mexico | Epic SC-72010First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Epic 15-06453First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Ecuador | CBS 833-002512" · Colored vinyl | 12" · Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | Ecuador | CBS 833-002512", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Ecuador | CBS 833-002512", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Ecuador | CBS 833-002512" · Colored vinyl | 12" · Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | Ecuador | CBS 833-002512", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | France | Epic SDC 1100912", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Mixed, Promo · Promo, Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Mixed, Promo · Promo, Limited |
| 1983 | Mexico | Epic SCL-45,04012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Misprint, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Misprint, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | Mexico | Epic SCL 45,04012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | Mexico | Epic SCL-45,04012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Misprint, Stereo · Limited | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Misprint, Stereo · Limited |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Epic 15-064537", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Epic 15-06453 / Collectables 15-064537", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | Epic 15-064537", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| ? | US | Epic 15-064537", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo |
17 vinyl pressings of Billie Jean / Beat It are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico. One of them is Epic 15-06453.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 15-06453, 46.563, E 250, SC-72010) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS-169 206-2C ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ LA., CALIF.G2 B3 and ZSS-169232 - IJ ❀ G1. 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.
