Vinyl pressings
by Van Halen · 1983
Panama was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
W 9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.A. *MT* MW DAMONTSide A runout
W9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.B1 DAMONT *MT*Side B runout
W 9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.A. *MT* MW DAMONT MWSide A runout variant 1
W9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.B1 DAMONT *MT*Side B runout variant 1
W-9273 A1 NW DAMONT ✳MT✳Runout side A, etched
W-9273 B1- DAMONT ✳MT✳Runout side B, etched
W 9273 A*Label side A
W 9273 B*Label side B
R/S Alsdorf 920211-0 ARunout, side A
R/S Alsdorf 920211-0 B DRunout, side B
W-9273 A1 NW DAMONT ✳MT✳Runout side A, etched
W-9273 B1- DAMONT ✳MT✳Runout side B, etched
W 9273 A*Label side A
W 9273 B*Label side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 920 211-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Ireland | Warner Bros. Records W9273 / Warner Bros. Records 929273-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Mexico | Warner Bros. Records SWB-156First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W 9273(T) / Warner Bros. Records 920211-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W9273 / Warner Bros. Records 929273-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Argentina | Warner Bros. Records 802547", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92 925077", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92 925077", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Ecuador | Warner Bros. Records 45-800957", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 929 273-77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Warner Bros. Records 7.29273 / Warner Bros. Records 7-292737", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Peru | Warner Bros. Records F-WBR 0729250.97", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Peru | Warner Bros. Records F-WBR 0729250.97", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Spain | Warner Bros. Records 92 9273-77", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Spain | Warner Bros. Records S 92 9273-7 / Warner Bros. Records 92 9273-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
29 vinyl pressings of Panama are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Europe, Ireland, Mexico. One of them is Warner Bros. Records W 9273(T).
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use W 9273(T), W9273, 920 211-0, SWB-156) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, W 9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.A. *MT* MW DAMONT and W9273 - W̶ ̶9̶2̶9̶3̶ T.B1 DAMONT *MT*. 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.
