Which Nirvana albums are faked most
The targets combine collector demand with valuable early variants.
- Bleach (Sub Pop SP 34, 1989) — the early white-vinyl and limited coloured-vinyl pressings are the most faked, along with the first-edition black.
- Nevermind (DGC DGC-24425, 1991) — first pressings and coloured-vinyl variants are reproduced.
- In Utero (DGC DGC-24607, 1993) — first pressings with the correct inner and matrix are targeted.
- Early singles and the Incesticide compilation are also occasionally counterfeited.
Sub Pop and DGC label details to check
Original Sub Pop Bleach pressings carry the early Sub Pop label design with the correct catalogue (SP 34) and the era-appropriate logo and address. Counterfeit Sub Pop labels often use the wrong font, an incorrect logo version, or a label colour and finish that doesn't match 1989 production. The insert and back-cover credits should reference the correct band line-up and recording details for the original release.
DGC-era pressings of Nevermind and In Utero use the DGC label with catalogue numbers DGC-24425 and DGC-24607. Genuine labels are sharply printed with correct publishing and pressing credits. Fakes frequently show off-register printing, wrong colour, or credits that don't match the original US or UK pressing. Always confirm the label, catalogue and credits match the documented first pressing rather than a later reissue or a counterfeit.
Bleach original matrix and pressing-plant codes
The original Bleach is the most important authentication challenge. Genuine first pressings carry specific matrix numbers in the dead wax along with pressing-plant identifiers; early Sub Pop pressings were cut and pressed at known plants, and the matrix should include the SP 34 catalogue reference and the correct stamper/plant codes. Many genuine copies also show hand-etched details consistent with late-1980s independent pressing.
Counterfeit Bleach pressings — particularly the coveted white-vinyl variant — often show matrix numbers that are too clean, in the wrong font, or that don't correspond to any documented Sub Pop pressing. A reproduced run-out frequently looks photographically copied: soft, shallow or printed rather than crisply stamped. Because coloured-vinyl Bleach commands big premiums, always verify the matrix and plant codes against documented examples before trusting a colour variant.
Common tells on fakes
Beyond the matrix, several physical tells expose Nirvana counterfeits. Print quality on fake sleeves is often oversaturated or slightly pixelated, the board is thinner and glossier than the originals, and inner sleeves and inserts are missing or reproduced on the wrong paper. Coloured-vinyl fakes sometimes use a colour or marbling pattern that simply was never issued for that title.
- Run-out etchings that look printed or too uniform rather than stamped.
- Coloured-vinyl variants in colours never officially released.
- Label fonts, logos or addresses that don't match the documented original.
- Missing or reprinted inserts and inner sleeves.
- Sleeve board that feels thin, glossy or modern compared with an original.
Current market value of genuine pressings
A genuine first-pressing Bleach on black vinyl sells for around £80-£250, while authentic early white-vinyl copies command £400-£1,500 or more, and other genuine coloured variants vary widely. A clean first-pressing Nevermind runs around £40-£120, with original coloured-vinyl variants higher, and a first-pressing In Utero sits around £40-£100.
Because the white-vinyl Bleach carries such a premium, any cheap 'white vinyl Bleach' should be treated as a likely fake until the matrix, plant codes, label and sleeve all check out. The recent vintage of these records makes them easy to reproduce, so the dead-wax evidence is decisive.