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Data as of Jun 16, 2026
Michael Jackson – Thriller
1982 · US · Epic · Vinyl LP Album Stereo
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Price guide
Estimated market value via Discogs · as of Aug 3, 2026
- MMint
- $275.31
- NMNear Mint
- $246.33
- VG+Very Good Plus
- $188.37
- VGVery Good
- $130.41
- G+Good Plus
- $72.45
- GGood
- $43.47
- FFair
- $28.98
- PPoor
- $14.49
104 copies listed on Discogs from $3.21.
These are reference estimates from Discogs sold/asking data for this exact pressing, not offers and not a guaranteed price. Actual value depends on condition, completeness and current demand. Any active seller offers on this page are listed separately above.
Offers
New to condition grades like NM or VG? Read our vinyl grading guide →
Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Matrix / runout
- AL 38112BL 38112PAL 38112-2D P oPBL-38112-2C P oPAL 38112-2CF P oPBL 38112-2CN P oPAL 38112-2BJ P oPBL 38112-2CN P oPBL 38112-2AD A P oPAL 38112-2A P P oPBL 38112-2AH P oPAL 38112-2A P oPBL 38112-2C P oPBL 38112-2B P oPAL 38112-2B P oPAL 38112-2EC P oPBL 38112-3J oPAL 38112-2A D P oPBL 38112-1H P oPBL 38112-1G P oPAL 38112-1F P oPAL 38112-2A p P oPBL 38112-2AA P oPAL 38112-2EF P oPBL 38112-3B P oPAL 38112-2CA oPAL 38112-2DE oPAL 38112-2C P oPBL 38112-2CM P oPAL-38112-2EB P oPBL-38112-3D P oPBL 38112-2D P oPAL 38112-1E P oPAL 38112-1G P oPAL 38112-2D P p oPBL 38112-2D D P p oPBL 38112-2K P oPAL 38112-1E C o PPBL 38112-1F 1 C P oPAL 38112-2B P p oPAL 38112-1E C P oPBL 38112-1G 1 C P o
- Barcode (Text)
- 0 7464-38112-1
- Barcode (Scanned)
- 074643811217
- Pressing Plant ID
- P(Small "ᴘ" stamped on both sides)
- Manufactured By
- Epic Records
- Manufactured By
- CBS Inc.
- Pressed By
- Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman
- Plated At
- Customatrix
- Recorded At
- Westlake Studios
- Recorded At
- Ocean Way Recording
Specifications
- Artist
- Michael Jackson
- Genre
- Funk / Soul, Pop
- Style
- Contemporary R&B, Disco, Soul
- Year
- 1982
- Label
- Epic
- Catalog number
- QE 38112
- Country
- US
- Barcode
- 0 7464-38112-1
Tracklist
- A1Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'6:02
- A2Baby Be Mine4:20
- A3The Girl Is Mine3:42
- A4Thriller5:57
- B1Beat It4:17
- B2Billie Jean4:57
- B3Human Nature4:05
- B4P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)3:58
- B5The Lady In My Life4:57
- Producer
- Quincy Jones
- Mastered By
- Bernie Grundman
- Recorded By, Mixed By
- Bruce Swedien
- Engineer [Assistant]
- Mark Ettel
- Engineer [Assistant]
- Steve Bates
- Engineer [Technical], Recorded By [Additional Sound Sources]
- Matt Forger
About this record
The US pressing of Thriller (QE 38112) commands a steep premium in Mint condition at 275.31 USD, but the market is flooded: 104 copies are listed for sale right now, with the cheapest asking just 3.21 USD. The runout matrix PAL 38112-2D P o and PBL-38112-2C P o identify pressings from Columbia Records Pitman plant, where the "P" and "o" stamps in the dead wax distinguish first-pressing variants from later reissues.
Demand among the 64023 collectors who own this album remains strong—16276 want it—but condition is everything: a Mint copy trades at 275.31 USD while a VG example drops to 130.41 USD.
What drives its value
Price on this US first pressing pivots entirely on condition grade. A Mint copy fetches 275.31 USD; step down to NM and the value falls to 246.33 USD; VG+ sits at 188.37 USD; and a VG copy reaches 130.41 USD.
The spread between Mint and VG is substantial, reflecting the rarity of well-preserved copies after four decades. Despite 104 active listings, the lowest asking price of 3.21 USD signals distressed or heavily played inventory; serious buyers hunting a playable NM or VG+ example should expect to pay 188.37 to 246.33 USD.
The US pressing (QE 38112) differs from European variants (EPC 85930), and the first pressing does not credit Michael Jackson as co-producer on the back cover—a detail that separates it from later printings. With 16276 want-list entries against 64023 who own one, this remains a high-demand title, but supply is ample.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm the US first pressing by the catalogue number QE 38112 on the spine and label. Examine the dead wax (runout groove area) for the matrix strings AL 38112, BL 38112, PAL 38112-2D P o, or PBL-38112-2C P o; the "P" and "o" are stamped (not etched) and mark Columbia Records Pitman plant pressings.
The back cover should NOT list Michael Jackson as co-producer—if it does, you hold a later reissue. Check for the dust sleeve with Jackson's original artwork and lyrics.
Grade by vinyl surface: Mint means unplayed, NM shows minimal play wear, VG+ has light surface marks but plays cleanly, VG exhibits visible groove wear and light surface noise. Promo copies carry a gold "For Promotion Only" stamp on the back; these are distinct variants.
Some copies include a fan club merchandise insert—note its presence when grading the overall package.
Further reading: grading a record, what makes a pressing valuable.
Listen
Hear the album before you buy.
Official videos via YouTube.
Release notes
pressing denoted by "P" identifier in runouts. plating denoted by "o" identifier in runout.
All runouts are etched except the pressing plant and mastering identifiers "P" and "o" which are stamped.
1st US pressing: this sleeve version DOES NOT list Michael Jackson as a co-producer on back cover. For versions with Michael Jackson credit as co-producer see e.g. 3884453 and 485002.
Promo copies exist with golden stamp "For Promotion Only" on back cover, some also include press info.
LP housed inside a dust sleeve with lyrics and drawings by Michael Jackson.
Some copies were stuffed with fan club Thriller merchandise sheet.
℗ © 1982 CBS Inc. Manufactured by Epic Records/CBS Inc.
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Other pressings of this release
Different editions of the same album — pressing decides value.
Frequently asked
How do I tell the US first pressing from the European version?
The US first pressing carries catalogue number QE 38112 on the label and spine; European pressings are marked EPC 85930. The US pressing does not credit Michael Jackson as co-producer on the back cover, a distinction that appears on later US reissues. Check the dead wax for matrix strings beginning with AL, BL, PAL, or PBL—these are specific to the US pressing and the Pitman plant.
What is a VG+ copy worth?
According to the price guide, a VG+ graded copy is valued at 188.37 USD. This estimate reflects light surface marks and minor play wear while the record remains sonically clean. Prices fluctuate based on market demand and actual sales, so this figure is a reference point rather than a guarantee.
Why is there such a big price jump from VG to Mint?
Mint copies are extremely scarce—most Thriller records have been played repeatedly since 1982. A Mint copy at 275.31 USD commands a premium because it is essentially unplayed, whereas a VG example at 130.41 USD shows audible wear. The 104 copies currently for sale include many played copies; pristine inventory moves quickly and commands collector premiums.
What does the "P o" stamp in the runout mean?
The "P" and "o" are stamped (not etched) identifiers in the dead wax that denote the pressing plant and plating information. These stamps mark Columbia Records Pitman plant pressings of the first US release. All other runout characters are etched; the stamped "P" and "o" are the telltale signature of this specific pressing variant.
Are promo copies more valuable?
Promo copies exist with a gold "For Promotion Only" stamp on the back cover and sometimes include press information sheets. These are distinct variants and appeal to specialist collectors, but they are not reflected as a separate grade in the standard price guide. Their value depends on condition and collector demand for promotional pressings specifically.