Characters vinyl value
Stevie Wonder — Characters: pressings we track
| Pressing | Catalog | Country | Notes | Asking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Motown | 140.8003 | Brazil | Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1987 Motown | MOX 6248 | Canada | Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1987 Not On Label | ZL72001 | Germany | Test Pressing, Gatefold | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | 72011 | Greece | Gatefold | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | ZL 72001 | Italy | Gatefold | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | ZL 72001 | Italy | Promo, Gatefold | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | MLP-2856 | Philippines | Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1987 Motown | ZL72001 | UK & Europe | Gatefold Embossed | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | ZL72001 | UK & Europe | Gatefold, Embossed | $15–$22 |
| 1987 Motown | 6248ML | US | Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1987 Motown | 6248ML | US | Club Edition, Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1987 Motown | 6248ML | US | Promo, Gatefold | $9–$15 |
| 1988 Motown | LSMTW 11175 | Yugoslavia | — | $15–$22 |
| Undated Motown | 140.8003 | Brazil | Reissue, Gatefold | $9–$15 |
1 more pressing we track (no quoted eBay range)
| Pressing | Catalog | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Motown | RMTL-8050 | Japan | Promo, Gatefold |
No quoted range right now (why). Scan your copy in the app for a current read.
18 pressings tracked, 15 shown · catalog of 974,753 releases, August 2026
What separates the pressings
How to identify your copy
Three checks, in the order worth doing them.
- 1
Match the catalog number. It is printed on the spine and the record label. Check it together with the country against the pressings table above: the same number can appear in more than one country.
- 2
Read the runout. The code etched in the dead wax near the label names the exact pressing. On the 1987 US pressing it reads “6248MLA” on side one and “6248MLB” on side two. Sleeves migrate between copies over the years; the etching stays with the record.
- 3
Grade the condition. Condition multiplies the price: near mint can bring several times what a VG copy does. Vinyl and sleeve get separate grades; the scale is in our grading guide.
Discs and jackets part ways over the decades: a 1987 sleeve proves nothing about the record inside it. The runout etching and the label decide the pressing; the cover never does.
Questions
Which pressing of Characters is worth the most?
The 1987 originals lead. Scarcer variants (the 1987 “Test Pressing, Gatefold” and the 1987 “Promo, Gatefold”) can beat an ordinary early copy. After that it is all condition: the gap between near mint and VG is usually larger than the gap between pressings.
How do I tell if I have a 1987 original?
Match the catalog number on the spine and label against the table above, check the country, then read the etched code in the runout groove. On the 1987 US pressing the runout reads “6248MLA”. A period jacket with a later disc inside is still a reissue.
How much is Characters worth today?
Sellers typically ask $9 to $22 for the pressings we track; for the 1987 ZL72001 the median ask is $18 over 9 listings (eBay, Sep 22, 2026). Sold prices usually close lower. Scan your copy in the app for the range on your exact pressing and condition.
Not sure which pressing you have? Photograph the label and RecordScout names it, then shows a current value range for its condition.
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