PINK FLOYD Dark Side Of The Moon Vinyl Record LP 1st Press 1973 Harvest Wly EX

$

250

Item Description

Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon (Harvest – SMAS-11163)

Pressing features: 1st Original U.S. Press, 1973, Stereo, Gatefold

Matrix / Runout (A-Side runout, var. 3): SMAS-1-11163-F4#2 ─◁  WLY

Notes: A landmark of progressive rock, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) finds Pink Floyd at the height of their creative powers, blending psychedelic textures, experimental studio techniques, and deeply introspective themes. This was the band’s eighth studio album, arriving after the sprawling, atmospheric Obscured by Clouds (1972) and preceding the ambitious conceptual work Wish You Were Here (1975). The album is brilliant for how it seamlessly marries sonic experimentation with universal themes of time, mental health, and human experience, creating an immersive and timeless listening journey. Iconic tracks like “Time” and “Money” showcase both the band’s technical virtuosity and lyrical depth, while the album’s continuous flow and innovative use of synthesizers, tape effects, and multitrack recording set new standards in artistry. Its prism-inspired cover art and exploration of existential questions have cemented its place in cultural history. The Dark Side of the Moon has consistently appeared in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” originally ranked in 1978 and remaining a fixture in successive revisions, reflecting its enduring influence.

Vinyl Record grade: EXCELLENT (approaching Near Mint minus)

Beautiful, well-cared-for record with a strong, glossy finish and only minimal signs of prior handling. Surfaces are clean, retaining a rich sheen throughout.

On close inspection under strong light, you may spot a tiny whisper of a hairline (so faint it's almost impossible to see), so that mere trace is holding it back from a grade of Near Mint minus. However, this has no affect on sound quality. A superb copy that comfortably sits at the very upper end of the scale (many collectors would grade this at Near Mint minus).

Cover/Jacket grade: VG+, jacket shows some shelf wear and handling. Front cover retains strong presentation with good gloss, but there are numerous light scuffs, rub marks, and surface wear visible under light. Edges exhibit wear. Spine is strong but some loss of word definition, though the title remains readable.

The lower corner has a embossed/stamped indentation (appears to be a previous owner's stamp or inventory mark) accompanied by light creasing. Additional small creases, dings, and scattered handling marks are present around the jacket. 

Structurally intact with no major seam splits observed, but clearly a well-handled copy. Displays respectably on a shelf despite the minor flaws.

Other contents: includes original two posters and two color stickers, all designed by the U.K. graphics and design company Hipgnosis.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The record has been ultrasonically cleaned and will ship with a premium MoFi inner sleeve and a protective outer sleeve. For added protection, the record will be placed outside of the album jacket within a plastic outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. It will be securely packaged in a reinforced media mailer and clearly labeled as fragile.

Thank you for viewing this listing. Please reach out to us directly with any questions you may have.

We offer free, no questions asked returns for up to 30 days after purchase. If you're not happy with the item for any reason after purchasing, simply open a return, send it back for free, and we will refund your money in full.

Thanks, and have a great day!

Record Grading Scale (Based on visual inspection)

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed items. 

The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

A nearly perfect record.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

An excellent copy with only the most minimal signs of handling. 

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play. The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss.

Very Good + (VG+)

A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use.

The vinyl may display several light surface marks, hairlines, or superficial scuffs from handling or sleeve contact. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise.

Very Good (VG) 

A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use.

The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping.

Good + (G+)

A heavily used but still playable record.

The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted.

Cover/Jacket Grading Scale

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear.

The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws.

The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Very Good + (VG+)

A clean, solid cover with moderate signs of handling.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well.

Very Good (VG)

A cover with clear wear but still fully intact.

The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing. It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use.

Good + (G+)

A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues.

Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams. The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.