What the term means
Unopened records with shrink, stickers and pressing uncertainty. The term should be supported by label, catalog, matrix, packaging and provenance evidence rather than seller enthusiasm.
Identification checks
- Sealed does not prove first pressing.
- Shrink can tighten and warp jackets or records.
- Opening can reveal pressing identifiers but destroys sealed status.
Condition and market
Compare equivalent copies with the same pressing type, country, completeness and condition. A rare format can still have limited demand, and a later pressing can sometimes outperform an original because of sound, packaging or availability.