US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-693
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1-693-D3Side A
F2-693-D10Side B
Vinyl pressings
16 Tons
by Tennessee Ernie Ford · 1956
19 pressings9 countriesCountryFolkFolkWorld
16 Tons was first pressed on vinyl in 1956. 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 16 Tons
10 pressings came out in 1956, 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.
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-693
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1-693-D3Side A
F2-693-D10Side B
UK
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1014
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1-693Side A label
F2-693Side B label
France
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-693
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
France
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-693
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1 693 21 M3 174686Runout etched A side
F2 693 21 M3 174687Runout etched B side
France
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-693
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1 693 21 M3 174686Runout etched A side
F2 693 21 M3 174687Runout etched B side
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 19 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | France | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | France | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | France | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | France | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Germany | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Netherlands | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Norway | Capitol Records EAP1014First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | UK | Capitol Records EAP 1014First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-693First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1958 | Spain | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
Year unknown8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Denmark | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937" | 7" |
| ? | Japan | Capitol Records CEB-677", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | Spain | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | Spain | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | Spain | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | UK | Capitol Records EAP 10147", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | UK | Capitol Records EAP 10147", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-6937", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- A1Sixteen Tons
- A2River Of No Return
- B1You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
- B2Give Me Your Word
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of 16 Tons are there?
19 vinyl pressings of 16 Tons are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1956 and 1958.
When was 16 Tons first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1956, in US, UK, France, Germany and more. One of them is Capitol Records EAP 1-693.
How do I tell if my copy of 16 Tons is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EAP 1-693, EAP 1014, EAP1014) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, F1-693-D3 and F2-693-D10. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is 16 Tons 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.
