On the Record: Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon Vinyl: Pressings, Value & How to Spot an Original

The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most collected vinyl records in history—and one of the most confusing.

With:

• dozens of UK pressings
• subtle matrix variations
• countless worldwide reissues

collectors often ask:

👉 Do I have a true first pressing—or just another copy?

The difference can mean $50 vs $2,000+ AUD.

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🎤 The Story Behind the Vinyl Release

Released in 1973 by Pink Floyd on Harvest Records, the album became a global phenomenon.

Because of its success:
👉 It has been pressed continuously for decades

Which makes:
👉 Early UK pressings the key focus for collectors

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💰 Key Pressings & Value

1973 UK First Press (Solid Blue Triangle)

• Label: Harvest
• Estimated Value: $800–$2,000+ AUD

👉 The true first pressing

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1973 UK Early Press (Outline Triangle)

• Estimated Value: $150–$400 AUD

👉 Still collectible, but later

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US Pressings (Capitol)

• Estimated Value: $100–$300 AUD

👉 Much more common

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Modern Reissues

• Estimated Value: $40–$80 AUD

👉 Best for listening

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🔍 Pressing Identifiers (Collector Details)

This is where real value is determined.

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📀 1973 UK First Press – Key Identifiers

Label (MOST IMPORTANT)

• Solid blue triangle on Harvest label
  👉 Not outlined
  👉 Completely filled

This is:
👉 The defining feature of a first press

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Catalogue Number

• SHVL 804

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Runout / Matrix (CRITICAL)

True early first press copies typically have:

• A2 / B2 matrix endings

Examples:

• SHVL 804 A-2 / B-2

👉 These are:

• Among the earliest cuts
• Highly desirable

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Additional Runout Details

• Often hand-etched
• May include:
  • Cutting engineer marks
  • Mother/stamper codes

👉 Slight variation is normal

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Sleeve & Packaging

• Gatefold sleeve
• Matte finish
• Includes:
  • Two posters
  • Two stickers

👉 Missing inserts = reduced value

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Inner Sleeve

• Black poly-lined inner
• Patent text visible

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🔍 Understanding Matrix Variations (Very Important)

This is where most collectors get confused.

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A2/B2 = Early First Press

• Highest collector value
• Closest to original mastering

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A3/B3 and Later

• Still early
• Slightly less valuable

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👉 Key takeaway:

• Lower numbers = earlier pressing
• But condition still matters heavily

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⚠️ Original vs Later Pressings

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⚠️ Common Buyer Mistakes

• ❌ Confusing outline triangle with solid
• ❌ Ignoring matrix numbers
• ❌ Missing posters/stickers
• ❌ Overpaying for later pressings

👉 This album is frequently misidentified

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⚠️ Are There Bootlegs?

👉 Not common—but:

• Mislabelled copies are VERY common
• Some unofficial pressings exist

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🚫 Red Flags

• ❌ Coloured vinyl claiming to be original
• ❌ Missing catalogue number
• ❌ Glossy modern sleeve

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🎧 Sound Quality: Original vs Reissue

• UK A2/B2 pressing: Warm, dynamic, highly regarded
• Later pressings: Still excellent
• Modern reissues: Cleaner, quieter

👉 Originals are about history and authenticity

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💡 Is Dark Side of the Moon Vinyl Worth Buying?

👍 Yes, if:

• You’re a collector
• You understand pressing differences
• You find a complete early copy

🎯 Best option:

• Collectors: UK A2/B2 solid triangle
• Listeners: Modern reissue

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🛒 Where to Buy Pink Floyd Vinyl

With so many pressings available, buying from a trusted store is essential—especially for early UK versions.

You can explore Pink Floyd vinyl and other collectible releases at Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the solid blue triangle?

The label design used on the earliest UK pressings—key identifier of a first press.

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What does A2/B2 mean?

Matrix numbers indicating early cuts of the record.

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How much is it worth?

First press copies can sell for $800–$2,000+ AUD.

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Are reissues worth buying?

Yes—excellent sound and widely available.

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🏁 Final Word

The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most iconic vinyl releases ever—and one of the most complex from a collector’s perspective.

Understanding:

• label differences
• matrix numbers
• inserts

is the key to knowing what you have—and what it’s worth.