how rare and valuable is the michael jackson thriller with him not listed as co-producer
The Michael Jackson Thriller pressing that doesn’t list him as co- producer is generally a first-press/early-press variant , and it’s more of a collector’s curiosity than a guaranteed jackpot. Based on recent marketplace examples and collector listings, its value swings a lot with condition, completeness, and whether it’s truly an early US pressing.
Rarity
This version is not ultra-rare in the absolute sense , because Thriller sold in huge numbers and many copies survive. But the specific no-co-producer- credit sleeve is still scarcer than later common copies , especially if it’s a clean, complete 1982 first pressing with original inserts.
Value
Typical market signals suggest:
- Worn copies: around $10–$30.
- Decent collector copies: often $45–$60.
- Better-presented or misprint-style listings: can ask $100+ , though asking price is not the same as sold price.
One sold example in the archive shows a true first pressing with no co- producer credit selling for $55. Another listing asks $176.25 , but that is a retail listing, not a confirmed sale.
What matters most
Collectors usually care about these factors:
- Confirmed first pressing status.
- Condition of the vinyl and sleeve.
- Original inner sleeve, inserts, and mail-order material.
- U.S. pressing versus later international editions.
- Whether it is just missing the credit or has other early-production traits.
Practical read
So the short version is: rare enough to interest collectors, but not so rare that every copy is a windfall. If yours is a true first pressing in strong condition, it can be a solid collectible; if it’s heavily played or incomplete, the value drops fast.
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<table>
<tr><th>Condition / Type</th><th>Likely value range</th></tr>
<tr><td>Heavily worn copy</td><td>$10–$30</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clean collector copy</td><td>$45–$60</td></tr>
<tr><td>Strong complete first pressing</td><td>$60+ depending on demand</td></tr>
</table>
TL;DR
It’s a collectible first-press variant, not a super-rare grail. In the real market, condition and proof of pressing matter more than the missing co- producer credit itself.