Which Iron Maiden records are faked most
The targets are the early EMI singles and first-pressing albums.
- Running Free (EMI 5032, 1980) — the debut single, including the picture-sleeve first pressing, is heavily faked.
- Sanctuary (EMI 5065, 1980) — the controversial cover single is a prime target.
- Women in Uniform (EMI 5105, 1980) — the picture sleeve and label are reproduced.
- The Number of the Beast (EMI EMC 3400, 1982) and the early albums with first-pressing matrix are also targeted.
EMI label details to check
Early Maiden singles appeared on the EMI label of the period, with specific label colours, logo placement and rim text. The catalogue numbers are the anchor: EMI 5032 for Running Free, EMI 5065 for Sanctuary and EMI 5105 for Women in Uniform. Counterfeit labels often use the wrong label generation, an incorrect EMI logo version, or rim text and publishing credits that don't match 1980 production.
Genuine EMI labels are crisply printed with accurate colour and correctly positioned logos. Fakes tend to look slightly fuzzy or off-register, use the wrong shade, or carry credits from a later pressing. Always confirm the label, catalogue number and credits match the documented first pressing, and check the picture sleeve printing against a known original, as the sleeves are reproduced alongside the records.
Matrix suffix formats and catalogue numbers
Genuine early Maiden pressings carry matrix numbers in the dead wax that match the catalogue and follow EMI's suffix conventions. First pressings typically show a matrix derived from the catalogue number with a take and tax-code suffix such as 'A-1U' (the 'U' being an EMI tax-code letter), for example a Running Free run-out reading in the EMI 5032 family with an A-1U style suffix. The exact suffix and stamper details should match documented first pressings for EMI 5032, EMI 5065 and EMI 5105.
Counterfeits frequently show matrix numbers in the wrong format, missing the correct EMI tax-code suffix, or with suffixes that don't correspond to any documented pressing. A matrix that reads as a later pressing on a sleeve sold as a first pressing is a classic mismatch. Always cross-reference the full matrix string and suffix against documented run-out photographs.
Hand-etched versus machine-stamped dead wax
One of the most reliable Maiden tells is the character of the dead-wax lettering. Genuine EMI first pressings show matrix numbers that combine machine-stamped catalogue codes with hand-etched cutting marks, and the lettering has the slightly irregular, confident character of a real lacquer cut. The depth, spacing and style are consistent with 1980 EMI pressing practice.
Counterfeits often show run-outs that are entirely too uniform — photographically reproduced from an original lacquer, producing a soft or printed look — or hand-etched marks that appear hesitant, too shallow, or at the wrong angle. If the dead-wax looks printed rather than incised, or the hand-etched portion doesn't match the documented cutting style, treat the record as suspect.
Current market value of genuine pressings
A genuine first-pressing Running Free single with the correct picture sleeve sells for around £40-£150 depending on condition and variant, with the rarest sleeve states higher. Sanctuary (EMI 5065) runs around £30-£100, and Women in Uniform (EMI 5105) around £30-£90. A clean first-pressing Number of the Beast album sits around £40-£120, with early matrix variants and certain pressings higher.
Because the early singles carry collector premiums, any cheap copy advertised as a first pressing should be checked against the catalogue, matrix suffix, label and sleeve before you trust it. The picture sleeves are reproduced as readily as the records, so verify both.