Vinyl pressings
by Simple Minds · 1982
Glittering Prize 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.
25 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 11 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.
VS 511 A1 TOWN HOUSE ASide A, runout, variant 1
VS 511 B1 TOWN HOUSE ASide B, runout, variant 1
VS 511 A3Side A, runout, variant 2
VS 511 B2 TOWN HOUSESide B, runout, variant 2
VS - 511 - 12 - A1 3 TOWN HOUSE /\Variant 1, A etched, stamped
VS - 511 - 12 - B2 TOWN HOUSE /\Variant 1, B etched, stamped
VS - 511 - 12 - A2 TOWN HOUSE • • : )Variant 2, A etched, stamped
VS - 511 - 12 - B1 TOWN HOUSE • • : •Variant 2, B etched, stamped
VS 511 A3Hand Etched Runout, Side A
VS 511 B3̶ 4Hand Etched Runout, Side B
10 ΛStamped Runout, Side A
11 ΛStamped Runout, Side B
VS-511-12-A1 ∴ TOWN HOUSESide A runout, etched / stamped
VS-511-12-B1 ∴ TOWN HOUSESide B runout, etched / stamped
VS 511 A1 ∴ TOWN HOUSESide A runout, etched / stamped
VS 511 B1 ∴ TOWN HOUSESide B runout, etched / stamped
VS 511 A 2 TOWNHOUSE CSide A, etched
VS 511 B 1 TOWNHOUSE CSide 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 | Australia | Virgin VS 51112First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS 511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS 511First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS 51112First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Canada | Virgin VS 1151First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | Virgin 600 673-213 / Virgin 600 673First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | Virgin 104 664 / Virgin 104 664-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | France | Virgin 104 951First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | Virgin SA 1070First year7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Virgin VS 511First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Ireland | Virgin VS 511First year7", Single, Misprint | 7", Single, Misprint |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VINX 868First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45056First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Virgin 104 664-100 / Virgin VS 511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 511First year7", Single | 7", Single |
28 vinyl pressings of Glittering Prize are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1982 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin VS 511, released August 16, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 511, VS 511-12, VS-511-12, VS 51112) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 511 A1 TOWN HOUSE A and VS 511 B1 TOWN HOUSE A. 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.
