Vinyl pressings
by T. Rex · 1973
20th Century was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
S 87079 A-1 Made in GermanySide A runout, stamped
S 87079 B-1 Made in GermanySide B runout, stamped
C 87 079 ASide A label
C 87 079 BSide B label
S 87079 A-1 Made in GermanySide A runout, stamped
S 87079 B-1 Made in GermanySide B runout, stamped
C 87 079 ASide A label
C 87 079 BSide B label
S 87097 A-1Side 1 stamped
S 87097 B-1Side 2 stamped
S 87079 A-1side 1 Stamped
S 87079 B-1side 2 Stamped
14 88177-Aside 1 Scratched
14 88177-Bside 2 Scratched
87.079.sA-1N2Side A runout
87.079.B-2N2Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Austria | Ariola 87 079 ITFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Germany | Ariola 87 079 ITFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Ariola 87 079 ITFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Ariola 88 177 XATFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Ariola 88 177 XATFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Spain | Ariola 87 079 I / Ariola 87.079-IFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | Spain | Orlador 54064LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Ariola 88 016 ET / Ariola 88 016-270LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| ? | Europe | Ariola 88 016 ETLP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| ? | Europe | Ariola 88 016 ETLP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Ariola 88 016 ETLP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Ariola 88 016 ETLP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Greece | Ariola ARIOLA 73007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
13 vinyl pressings of 20th Century are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain. One of them is Ariola 87 079 IT.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 87 079 IT, 88 177 XAT, 87 079 I) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S 87079 A-1 Made in Germany and S 87079 B-1 Made in Germany. 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.
