Rare record albums and how much they can sell for
Vinyl records have been a beloved music format for over a century, and with their resurgence in popularity in recent years, vinyl collectors have become increasingly interested in the value of their collections. While many vinyl records hold sentimental value to their owners, some are considered highly valuable to collectors, often due to rarity, historical significance, or unique features. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most valuable vinyl records ever collected.
The Beatles – “Yesterday and Today” (1966)
The “Butcher” cover of “Yesterday and Today” is one of the most infamous album covers in history, depicting the Fab Four in white coats, surrounded by dismembered baby dolls and pieces of raw meat. The cover was quickly pulled from stores and replaced with a less controversial image, making the “Butcher” version incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors. A sealed copy of the album in mint condition can fetch up to $15,000.
Elvis Presley – “My Happiness” (1953)
Elvis Presley’s first-ever recording was made at Sun Studios in Memphis in 1953, and only one copy of the acetate record was ever made. In 2015, that one-of-a-kind record was auctioned off to musician Jack White for a whopping $300,000, making it the most expensive single vinyl record ever sold.
Bob Dylan – “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” (1963)
One of the most important folk albums of all time, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” features some of Dylan’s most iconic songs, including “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” The original pressing of the album featured four extra songs that were later removed, making the original version a valuable collector’s item. A mint condition copy of the original pressing can fetch up to $35,000.
The Rolling Stones – “Their Satanic Majesties Request” (1967)
The Stones’ psychedelic masterpiece “Their Satanic Majesties Request” features a 3D lenticular cover that is highly prized by collectors. The cover features a holographic image of the band that changes as you move the cover, and a mint condition copy can fetch up to $1,500.
Prince – “The Black Album” (1987)
Prince’s “The Black Album” was intended for release in 1987 but was shelved at the last minute due to its controversial content. A few copies of the album were pressed and distributed, but they were recalled and destroyed. However, a few copies managed to make it into the hands of collectors, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Prince albums. A mint condition copy can fetch up to $27,000.
The Velvet Underground and Nico – “The Velvet Underground and Nico” (1967)
The debut album from the Velvet Underground and Nico is widely considered one of the most important albums in rock history, and its original pressing is highly sought after by collectors. The banana sticker on the cover was designed by artist Andy Warhol, and a mint condition copy can fetch up to $3,000.
The Rolling Stones – “Street Fighting Man” (1968)
Originally released with a cover that featured a riot scene, the original pressing of The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” was quickly withdrawn after it was deemed too controversial. Today, original copies of the record with the original cover can fetch upwards of $17,000.
Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (1977)
Released during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” single was a direct attack on the British monarchy and quickly became a rallying cry for the punk movement. The record was banned from the airwaves by the BBC and many record stores refused to stock it. Original pressings of the record with the original sleeve can sell for upwards of $15,000.
The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (1963)
The Beatles’ debut album, “Please Please Me,” was recorded in just one day and launched the band to superstardom. Original pressings of the album with the black and gold Parlophone label are considered highly collectible and can fetch upwards of $15,000.
Pink Floyd – “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” (1967)
Pink Floyd’s debut album, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” was recorded during the psychedelic era of the late 1960s and features classic tracks such as “Interstellar Overdrive” and “Astronomy Domine.” Original pressings of the album with the Columbia label can sell for upwards of $6,000.
Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (1969)
Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album launched the band to superstardom and set the stage for their legendary career. Original pressings of the album with the turquoise lettering can sell for upwards of $3,500.
Vinyl records have been a mainstay of the music industry for over a century, with collectors and music lovers alike seeking out rare and valuable records to add to their collections. Some of the most valuable vinyl records in the world have fetched prices in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, making them highly sought-after by collectors. Take a look trhough your collection and see if you happen to be the lucky owner of one of these.
That’s it for this week. Spin the Vinyl. Drop the Needle. Snap, Crackle & Pop Bay-bee!
