Collectors' F.A.Q.

Question

From: Michelle P., Atlanta

I have a Melon vinyl (with 4 tracks) put out by Island. I saw the featured item of the month and found out that it was distributed to DJs and is rarer than the actual CD. At first I thought it was a bootleg version, but on closer inspection I see that its not. It did not give a ballpark range to what it is worth. Any idea?

Chris Nilsen: That 12" is an official UK promo prelease containing 4 of the tracks released on the CD version. It's been said there were only 800 made but I could believe there were more. Collector value is approximately $40 in excellent to near mint condition.

Questions

Buying / Selling / Collecting

• Where can I buy U2 collectibles?
• Are there any books specifically related to collecting rare U2 material?
• How can I tell if a vinyl single is an original or a re-issue?
• Any thoughts on the value of autographed items?
• I have an autographed item. How can I obtain a Certificate of Authenticity for it?
• How would I value several U2 books and concert programs?
• I have a few items that I don't see listed in your guide. Why not?
• In your Price Guide, what is meant by the term 'stretch sleeve'?
• Do you have listings for test pressings of U2 albums?
• How much are old magazines featuring U2 worth?
• What does LC 0407 mean on U2's Island Records releases?

Bootlegs/Unofficial Items

• I have an album with a song called "Womanfish" on it. Is this worth anything?
• How much would you price the U-2000 box set?
• I have an album called "Another Time, Another Place." Does it have any value?
• How can I tell if a CD I'm thinking about buying is a bootleg?
• I'm considering buying the "Papaya" CD. Can you tell me if it's authentic?
• What is this "black box" of CD singles?
• I have a box with Achtung Baby and an interview CD. How much is it worth?
• I have a record with "Salome" on one side and some rap music on the other. What is this?
• I recently bought some sort of "Lemon" 12-inch single with the catalog number "fruit01". Is this an original pressing?
• I have an interview picture disk. Does this have any value?

Specific Collectibles

• How many U2 albums were released on the 8-track format?
• How rare and how valuable is a lithograph of The Joshua Tree album photo?
• Do you have any idea how many numbered copies of U2-3 are still in circulation?
• How can I tell if my copy of U2-3 (and other early singles) is an original?
• If the U2: 3 cassette single wasn't released until 1985, how come it says it was released in 1979?
• What's the value of the Japanese vinyl of the "Boy" album?
• I recently bought a U2 live record from the BBC. What is this?
• How much is my War tour programme worth?
• Is it true that current European-bought CDs of Under a Blood Red Sky will be the unedited version?
• Why is my "Unforgettable Fire" picture disc turning brown?
• I have a Russian Greenpeace album with U2 on it. How much is this worth?
• I love the live version of "With or Without You" in Rattle and Hum. Is there anyplace I can hear that other than in the movie?
• Regarding the nude photo of Adam, how many different versions of Achtung Baby were released?
• I just bought a used copy of Achtung Baby on CD that came in a cardboard case. Do you know the difference between this version and one in a plastic case?
• I have a picture disk from the Zoo TV tour which lists the tour dates on one side of the vinyl. What is this?
• What's the value of an acetate copy of "Mysterious Ways"?
• What's the value of the 12" promo vinyl version of Melon?
• I found a "Mofo" 12-inch single that seems to cost a lot. Can you tell me if it's worth the money?
• Is there any way to determine the value of old issues of Propaganda magazine?
• How much is an RIAA Award worth?
• Have you ever heard of "A Dialog with U2 - Live Under a Blood Red Sky," and is it a collectible?
• Here are a couple questions and answers about the "Another Day" single
• I recently acquired an Achtung Baby promotional fold out map of Berlin. My questions are....
• I have a New Year's Day 2000 remix by Ferry Corsten. What is this?