Vinyl pressings
by The Unforgiven · 1986
The Unforgiven was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 1986, the album's first year, in 5 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.
STE-60461-A DMM-3 0- [triangle] 125 57 EDP M1SF1 S142 B23514Side A [etched] , variant 1
STE-60461-B DMM-3 0- [triangle] 12557-X EDP M1 SF1 SM3 B23515Side B [etched], variant 1
STE-60461A DMM-3 0- [triangle] 125 57 EDP M1 SF1 SM2 B23514Side A [etched], variant 2
STE-60461-B DMM3 0- [triangle] 12557-X EDP M1 SF1-3 B23515Side A [etched], variant 2
EDP M1SF1 SM/SPO-1 STE-60461-1-A DMM-3SIDE A [ETCHED]
EDP M1SF1 SM/SOP-1 STE-60461-01-B DMM-3SIDE B [ETCHED]
EDP M1SF1 SM/SPO-1 STE-60461-1-A DMM-3A runout, etched
EDP M1SF1 SM/SOP-1 STE-60461-01-B DMM-3B runout, etched
ST-E-60461-1-A-SPA label
ST-E-60461-1-B-SPB label
ST-E-60461-1-A-ARA label
ST-E-60461-1-B-ARB label
STE - 60461 - A DMM - 3 EDP M1SF1SM5 MX 211561Side 1 runout, etched
STE - 60461 - B DMM - 3 EDP M1SF1SM6 MX 211562Side 2 runout, etched
STE-60461-A-I DMM-3 1 DM 31 EDP MISFI SM 4Side One; etched
STE-60461-B-I DMM-3 1 DN 2 EDP MISFI SM 4Side Two, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Elektra 60461-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Canada | Elektra 96 04611First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Canada | Elektra 960 461-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Elektra 960 461-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Elektra 960 461-1 / Elektra EKT 34First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Elektra P-13348First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Elektra P-13348First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Elektra 960 461-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Elektra 9 60461-1First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Elektra 9 60461-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Elektra 9 60461-1First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of The Unforgiven are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Australia, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Elektra 960 461-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 960 461-1, 9 60461-1, 60461-1, 96 04611) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STE-60461-A DMM-3 0- [triangle] 125 57 EDP M1SF1 S142 B23514 and STE-60461-B DMM-3 0- [triangle] 12557-X EDP M1 SF1 SM3 B23515. 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.
