UK
July 13, 1992- Label and catalog number
- Geffen Records DGCS 9
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
DGCS 9A-01-01-Q1Side A runout, stamped
DGCS 9B-01-01-Q1Side B runout, stamped
Vinyl pressings
Lithium
by Nirvana · 1992
16 pressings6 countriesGrungeRock
Lithium was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. 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 Lithium
13 pressings came out in 1992, the album's first year, in 6 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.
UK
July 20, 1992- Label and catalog number
- DGC DGCTP 9
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc
- Runout / matrix
DGC+TP+9+A `B` ORLAKESide A runout, Variant 1
DGC+TP+9+B ORLAKE BSide B runout, Variant 1
DGC+TP+9+A ORLAKESide A runout, Variant 2
DGC+TP+9+B ORLAKESide B runout, Variant 2
UK
1992- Label and catalog number
- Geffen Records DGCS 9
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo · Unpainted
- Runout / matrix
DGCS 9 A-01-01-Q1Side A runout
DGCS 9 B-01-01-Q1Side B runout
UK
1992- Label and catalog number
- DGC DGCS 9
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox · Painted
- Runout / matrix
DGCS 9 A-01-01-Q1(Machine Stamped)(Side A)
DGCS 9 B-01-01-Q1(Machine Stamped)(Side B)
Europe
July 1992- Label and catalog number
- DGC GET21815
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
- Runout / matrix
062 DM G-2161 A-1 CSide A runout, stamped
062 DM G-2161 B-1 CSide B runout, stamped
Europe
1992- Label and catalog number
- DGC GES 19134DGC GES19134
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
062 G-2160 A-1Runout side A [stamped]
062 G-2160 B-2Runout side B [stamped]
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 16 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1990s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Costa Rica | Geffen Records 71002092First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Europe | DGC GES 19134 / DGC GES19134First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | France | DGC GES 19134First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | France | DGC GES 19134First year7", 45 RPM, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Misprint |
| 1992 | Mexico | DGC RX-1124First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Spain | DGC GET 21815 (3B) / DGC GET 21815First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1992 | Spain | DGC GET 21815 (3B) / DGC GET 21815First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1992 | Spain | DGC GET 21815 (3B) / DGC GET 21815First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1992 | UK | Geffen Records DGCS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo |
| 1992 | UK | DGC DGCS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox |
| 1992 | Europe | DGC GET21815First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1992 | UK | Geffen Records DGCS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | UK | DGC DGCTP 9First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
2000s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | UK | Spirit Recordings NIR 00112", Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | 12", Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 2004 | UK | Spirit Recordings NIR 00112", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 2006 | UK | Spirit Recordings NIR 00112", Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo | 12", Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo |
Tracklist
- ALithium (LP Version)4:16
- BBeen A Son (Live Version)2:31
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Lithium are there?
16 vinyl pressings of Lithium are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1992 and 2006.
When was Lithium first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in UK, Europe, France, Spain and more. One of them is Geffen Records DGCS 9, released July 13, 1992.
How do I tell if my copy of Lithium is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DGCS 9, DGCTP 9, GET21815, GES 19134) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DGCS 9A-01-01-Q1 and DGCS 9B-01-01-Q1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Lithium 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.
