Japan
1980- Label and catalog number
- Polydor MPZ 8139/40
- Format
- LP, Compilation · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
MPZ-8139A A-1-3 A1Side A
MPZ-8139B C-1-3Side B
MPZ-8140A A-1-2 A1Side C
MPZ-8140B C-1-2Side D

Vinyl pressings
by Rainbow · 1980
The Best Of Rainbow was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year. 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.
MPZ-8139A A-1-3 A1Side A
MPZ-8139B C-1-3Side B
MPZ-8140A A-1-2 A1Side C
MPZ-8140B C-1-2Side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Japan | Polydor MPZ 8139/40First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | Japan | Polydor MPZ 8139/40First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Australia | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Austria | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | France | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Greece | Polydor 2675 223LP, White Label, Test Pressing, Compilation · Test pressing | LP, White Label, Test Pressing, Compilation · Test pressing |
| 1981 | Greece | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Ireland | Polydor PODV 2LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 38MM 0114/5LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 38MM 0114LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Polydor 2675 223LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Greece | Polydor 849 477-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Greece | Polydor 849477-1 / Polydor 849477-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
26 vinyl pressings of The Best Of Rainbow are listed here, from 15 countries, released between 1980 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Japan. One of them is Polydor MPZ 8139/40.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MPZ 8139/40) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MPZ-8139A A-1-3 A1 and MPZ-8139B C-1-3. 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.