eBay and vinyl

There are published books, like the Record Collector's Guide - but I find that eBay is a pretty accurate thermometer for value, when watched over time. Another good site is Popsike.com, which basically collects eBay auctions for valuable records.

I learn about the various labels, covers, matrix numbers, etc. by watching various items and taking note of the closing price. Obviously I only watch items that interest me - but over the last couple of years or so, it's built up, as I particularly like watching prog albums in case I spot one in my local record shop .

It's important to realise that this is just a yardstick - sometimes items fetch outrageous prices simply because the dealer has a good reputation or the item itself has something unique or special about it - e.g. a mint copy of "Please Please Me" by the Beatles with a poly bag from a particular record shop in Liverpool (I forget which) can command up to £1,000 more than a similarly mint copy without the bag.

CP: I would guess that ITCOTCK on Atlantic would be an import copy. These tend to be less valuable than U.K. pressings, which are most valuable for UK bands as a rule - with the notable exception of early Japanese pressings.

RT: I can't make out the label on your DSOTM, but the layout appears wrong for a UK press. The "hollow" triangle presses tend to be low in value, with the exception of the second press, whose matrix numbers end -3, IIRC.

The Wall is very difficult to guage - again, matrix numbers are most helpful here. Late 1970s albums are much harder to value than early 1970s, because there's very little difference between the FP and later pressings.

Sgt Pepper needs to be on the Parlophone label with "Parlophone" in large yellow letters, and the LP in the "Fool on the Hill" red and white wavy innner. The Stereo is worth more than the MONO, and the "Wide Spine" sleeve is the top collectable - I've seen one fetch £1,000.

The FP of CTTE is on the Orange and Plum Atlantic label, but the MFSL pressings are worth more;

The FP of Aqualung is on the Island label - but it's high quality equivalent, the DSS press is more valuable;

Radioactive Toy wrote: Ah thanks cert.. what about my version of close to the edge?

The valuable one is the MFSL edition. The first press is on this (exact coloured) label;

Certif1ed wrote: The First UK Pressing has a solid pink label, and the sleeve is made by E. J. Day. The second has a pink rim with palm trees on - the first is the best; 1st U.K. press (the ultimate - goes for about £50 - 500 depending on condition)   2nd Press - not bad, but don't pay more than £20.   Later press - £5 tops.

I've been trough an really odd and ragged collection, but I've found some stuff..

I found uriah heep demons and wizards, cool cover! Beatles - revolver well.. just great music!

AND I've found a in the court of.. I tought it wasn't worth to check the label.. did it anyway's!

It's an UK pressing with the pink I label  YEAH luck turned on my side!