Counterfeit Guide
Sex Pistols — God Save the Queen (7 inch)
Virgin VS 181
Last updated June 4, 2026
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The 1977 Virgin 7-inch of God Save the Queen on VS 181 followed the famously withdrawn A&M pressing (AMS 7284), almost all of which were destroyed and now sell for thousands. The Virgin issue has the B-side 'Did You No Wrong' and the standard Virgin twins label. Authenticators must distinguish the common Virgin VS 181 from the ultra-rare A&M AMS 7284, and check the correct label print and hand-etched matrix.
Matrix / Runout
Virgin firsts carry VS 181 A/B hand-etched matrices; the rare A&M AMS 7284 shows distinct 'POX' style etchings. Counterfeits use uniform typeset runouts and mismatched B-sides.
3 Tells That Reveal a Fake
- 1
An A&M pressing (AMS 7284) is faked to imitate the legendary withdrawn single — genuine A&M copies have a specific matrix and 'POX' etchings, which counterfeits cannot replicate.
- 2
The Virgin label print is fuzzy or the twins logo is poorly registered rather than the crisp original.
- 3
The runout is machine-typeset rather than the hand-etched VS 181 matrix; the genuine B-side must read 'Did You No Wrong'.
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Check My Record — 99¢Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) real or fake?
The fastest way to check if your Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) is genuine is to scan it with Vinyl Guard at vinylguard.pro. Upload a photo of the label and get a genuine or counterfeit verdict in 30 seconds for 99 cents. No account required.
How do I spot a fake Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch)?
Fake Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) pressings can be identified by checking the specific tells covered in this guide. For a definitive verdict scan with Vinyl Guard at vinylguard.pro for 99 cents.
Is Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) commonly counterfeited?
Yes Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) is one of the most commonly counterfeited vinyl records because original pressings are worth significantly more than counterfeits which have no collector value. Vinyl Guard at vinylguard.pro can detect fake pressings in 30 seconds for 99 cents.
What is a genuine Sex Pistols God Save the Queen (7 inch) worth?
Use the free Vinyl Guard value estimator at vinylguard.pro/tools/vinyl-value-estimator to check current market prices. Then scan with Vinyl Guard for 99 cents to verify your pressing is genuine before buying or selling at that price.
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