Identifying the exact pressing
and version of a record.

A close-up of a film strip labeled 'NEMS BLACK SABBATH 203 148' resting on a reflective surface with a blurry background.
Close-up of a box with the brand name 'NEUS' and the logo 'arola' with a globe, along with the numbers '203 148'.
Close-up of a vinyl record label showing it is Black Sabbath's album 'Black Sabbath 1', with various technical and production details, and the Ariola Records logo on the right.
Close-up of a vinyl record, showing the outer edge and part of the label with engraved text.

If you search Discogs for "Fleetwood Mac - Rumours" you will get over 500 different pressings / versions (as of 2025). To ensure you log the correct version - or to check the real value of a record in your hand - you need to make sure you're looking at the correct pressing. 

Artist name & Album Title

Catalogue Number

Barcode (modern only)

Record Label

Year of pressing

Country of pressing

Label matrix - runout numbers  - usually catalogue number (above) with extra digits after to separate pressings.

Visual cues - going from the pictures on Discogs - you can usually pick out things like a specific sticker on the jacket. The record labels often have different colours.

Most Discogs entries have images of the covers & labels - check against those.