Philippine 78 RPM Single Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Purple Parlophone Label

The Philippines were one of three countries known to have been pressing 78's when the Beatles came along -- India and Argentina being the others. Philippine Parlophone pressed the records into 1965. All Beatles 78's are scarce to rare, with the later singles being hardest to find. Most collectors are unaware that the 78's came out on at least three different label styles.

The first of these labels is known on one 78 single only, although an earlier pressing of "She Loves You" may exist. When the Beatles were first introduced to the Philippines, Parlophone records were being pressed by Mico Manufacturing. This label was used for 1963 only on Beatles records. For 78's, that label is purple.

Orange/Black Parlophone Label

Beginning in late 1963, Parlophone of the Philippines began a long license with Dyna Products to manufacture records. The first label style available on Philippine 78's was orange, with black and turquoise print. That style lasted until near the end of 1964. The previous 78 was NOT reissued onto the new style, but the following new singles were issued:

NOTE: No copies are known to exist of the singles marked with an asterisk (*); however, since later 78's were issued, and since those so marked exist as 45 RPM singles, they are suspected to exist. Their valuations are estimates, based on the sales of the other singles.

Black/Yellow Parlophone Label

At the end of 1964, another change in label styles occurred. Dyna's labels began to resemble more closely the black and yellow Parlophone label that was being used throughout most of the world. The following new singles were released:

NOTE: There are no Philippine 78's known to exist after "Honey Don't," but it is possible that they continued to be pressed in lower quantities. If you have any unknown ones, please send me a scan of each.

NOTE 2: The prices vary widely on all Philippine 78's, although typically they sell for less than the better-known Indian 78's.

A Word About Condition

The condition of a record is all-important as to determining its value. The values shown are drastically reduced for lesser condition copies, as shown below:

Near Mint, or NM, condition records are unscratched. If the label has stickers or tape, this must be noted. Essentially, they look like they just came from the store.

Very Good Plus, or VG+, condition records will have very few scratches. Without close inspection, they might pass for Near Mint copies. A VG+ record normally sells for half what a NM copy goes for.

Very Good, or VG, condition records have a fair amount of scratches, but they by no means appear "beat up". A VG condition record normally sells for one fourth of the NM price.

Very Good Minus, or VG-, condition records are starting to appear quite scratched. Still, when played, they play through, although the surface noise is becoming distracting. Many singles are commonly found in this condition. A VG- condition record normally sells for one sixth of the NM price.

Good, or G, condition records look scratched--basically all over, but they'll play through well enough to enjoy the song. A G condition record sells for one tenth of the NM price. [Some dealers also use a grade of G+, which sells for one eighth of the NM price.]

Fair, or fr, condition records are generally worthless unless the record is rare. They're scratched up and have distracting surface noise, but they're not completely ruined. No chips missing, and not cracked. They sell for one twentieth of the NM price or less.

Poor, or pr, condition records are basically ruined. They may be warped, cracked, chipped, or otherwise unsuitable for collecting. Most collectors only accept poor condition copies of something really rare until a better one comes along. They're virtually worthless.

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