What the term means
Earliest commercial editions and the evidence needed to distinguish them from later runs. The term should be supported by label, catalog, matrix, packaging and provenance evidence rather than seller enthusiasm.
Identification checks
- First release date is not enough.
- Country, label, catalog and matrices matter.
- Some titles had simultaneous or near-simultaneous regional issues.
Condition and market
Compare equivalent copies with the same pressing type, country, completeness and condition. A rare format can still have limited demand, and a later pressing can sometimes outperform an original because of sound, packaging or availability.