Counterfeit Guide

Iron Maiden — Early Singles

EMI 2975 / EMI 5065 / EMI 5105

Last updated June 4, 2026

Running Free (EMI 2975), Sanctuary (EMI 5065), and Women in Uniform (EMI 5105) are the three most counterfeited Iron Maiden singles. UK 7-inch originals on standard EMI label. Picture sleeves add significant value and are frequently faked or paired with non-matching pressings.

3 Tells That Reveal a Fake

1. 1

   Picture sleeve condition mismatch: genuine early Iron Maiden singles with original picture sleeves in high grade are rare — the cardboard sleeve shows natural wear consistent with the vinyl's age. Suspiciously pristine sleeves paired with worn vinyl, or vice versa, are a warning sign that the sleeve is a reprint.

2. 2

   EMI label code: genuine pressings carry a specific matrix suffix format in the dead wax (e.g. 'EMI 2975 A-1U' with hand-etched 'A-1U' denoting the cut number). Later pressings and counterfeits often have higher cut numbers (A-3, A-4 etc.) or omit the hand etching entirely.

3. 3

   Vinyl weight and pressing quality: 1979–80 EMI UK pressings are consistent in weight (approximately 120–130 g) and have a clean, quiet pressing. Counterfeit singles are frequently pressed on recycled or lower-grade vinyl that shows surface contamination (tiny white specks visible under raking light) and higher background noise.