Vinyl pressings
by The Professionals · 1981
I Didn't See It Coming was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 9 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.
V2220 A1 STRAWBERRYSide A runout, etched / STRAWBERRY stamped Variant 1
V2220 B2 STRAWBERRYSide B runout, etched / STRAWBERRY stamped Variant 1
V2220 A2 STRAWBERRYSide A runout, etched / STRAWBERRY stamped Variant 2
V-2220-B-2 STRAWBERRYSide B runout, etched / STRAWBERRY stamped Variant 2
V2220 A1 1 A STRAWBERRYSide A runout
V2220 B1 1 A STRAWBERRYSide B runout
[AGI logo] 810 204234 ARunout side A, stamped
[AGI logo] 810 204234 BRunout side B, stamped
204234 A-1 /81 S II Made in GermanyRunout Side 1 stamped
204234 B-1 /81 S II Made in GermanyRunout Side 2 stamped
V-2220-ASide A label
V-2220-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | France | Virgin 204234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Germany | Virgin 204 234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Italy | Virgin VIL 12220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Virgin VIP-6990 / Virgin VIRG-6990First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Virgin VIP-6990First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Virgin 204 234 / Virgin 204 234-320First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Virgin V2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Virgin V 2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Spain | Virgin I–204 234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin V2220First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin V2220 / Virgin V 2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of I Didn't See It Coming are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, France, Germany, Italy and more. One of them is Virgin V2220, released November 13, 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use V2220, 204234, 204 234, VIL 12220) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, V2220 A1 STRAWBERRY and V2220 B2 STRAWBERRY. 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.
