Vinyl pressings
by Peggy March · 1963
The Impossible Happened was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1963, 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.
PH KM-5257--3SA side runout, variant 1
PH KM-5261--3SB side runout, variant 1
PH KM-5257--3S I A1A side runout, variant 2
PH KM-5261--3S I A2B side runout, variant 2
A: PH KM-5257--2S
B: PH KM-5261--2S
A: PH KM-5257--4S
B: PH KM-5261--4S
PHKM-5257Label A
PHKM-5261Label B
45-PHKM 5257-X Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A
45-PHKM 5261-X Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B
PHKM-5257Label side A
PHKM-5261Label side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Canada | RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA 47-8267 / RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA 47-8267 / RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA 47-8267 / RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | Japan | Victor SS-1405First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | New Zealand | RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8267First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | RCA 47-82677", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of The Impossible Happened are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, Canada, Germany, Japan and more. One of them is RCA Victor 47-8267.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 47-8267, SS-1405) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PH KM-5257--3S and PH KM-5261--3S. 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.
