9 Vinyl Records Worth a Mind-Boggling Fortune
In recent years, vinyl records have seen a huge resurgence, with some rare albums fetching high prices among avid collectors. Compared to digital formats like Spotify, the warm, authentic sound of vinyl has reignited interest in physical music. Certain records, especially those with limited pressings, rare editions, or autographs from band members, are now worth a small fortune. For collectors, knowing which vinyls are worth big bucks can make a huge difference in building a valuable collection.
Here are 9 records that fetched high prices at auction, with some selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1. The Beatles: ‘The White Album’ (1968, Serial No. 0000001)
This edition — with the coveted serial number of 0000001 — was the first copy ever pressed and was originally owned by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. In 2015, it sold for over $790,000 at auction. Its value comes from being both a low-numbered pressing and a unique part of Beatles history. If you own a copy signed by all band members, it would be worth even more.
2. Elvis Presley: ‘My Happiness’ (1953)
This record, which was the first acetate recording Elvis Presley ever made, sold for a staggering $300,000 in 2015. Highly sought after by collectors for its historic significance as Presley’s first known recording, it was famously purchased by Jack White of The White Stripes. White had the recording professionally restored and re-released on vinyl through his own label.
3. Bob Dylan: ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ (1963, Withdrawn Edition)
The initial pressing of this Bob Dylan record featured four songs that were quickly withdrawn due to licensing issues. But this rare version commands high prices at auction, with the album valued at over $35,000, according to Rare Records. Collectors value it for its unique track list, making it one of the most sought-after Dylan records out there.
4. The Velvet Underground & Nico: ‘Acetate Demo’ (1966)
This demo, which features early versions of several songs that appeared on their debut album, is extremely rare. With only one copy known to exist, it sold for $25,000 on eBay in 2006. Its value lies in its one-of-a-kind nature and its importance in the history of alternative rock. It also provides fans with a unique glimpse into the creative process of the band’s early days.
5. Prince: ‘The Black Album’ (1987)
Prince, the legendary musician and pop icon, decided to withdraw this album just before its release, making original vinyl pressings of this album extremely rare and sought after. A copy sold for $27,500 in a 2018 auction. This album’s mystique and rarity fuel its high price among memorabilia collectors, especially given Prince’s enigmatic and flashy persona.
6. Led Zeppelin: ‘Led Zeppelin’ (1969, Turquoise Lettering)
The very first pressing of Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking debut album had turquoise lettering on the cover instead of the usual orange print. Copies in mint condition can sell for around $2,000, with signed copies commanding much more. Its value stems from the rare misprint and the connection it has to one of the most famous and oldest rock bands in the world.
7. David Bowie: ‘Space Oddity’ (1969, Gold Disc)
An original gold disc pressing of Bowie’s “Space Oddity” from 1969 can sell for over $10,000. Collectors prize it for its extreme rarity, as well as its connection to Bowie’s iconic breakout hit and its significance in his early career. With only 50 copies known to exist, signed versions or those kept in their original laminated sleeves can command even higher prices.
8. Nirvana: ‘Bleach’ (1989, Sub Pop Original Pressing)
The first 1,000 copies of Nirvana’s “Bleach” album were pressed on white vinyl. One of these original pressings can command high sums (about $3,000) due to its scarcity and the band’s later worldwide success. These early vinyl runs are particularly prized by collectors — not only for their rarity, but also for capturing the raw, unpolished sound of the band’s early days.
9. The Rolling Stones: ‘Street Fighting Man’ (1968, Picture Sleeve)
Only a handful of original picture sleeves were produced for this single before being pulled due to concerns over its imagery, which depicted police brutality. Because of its rarity, copies in mint condition have sold for over $17,000. Its rarity and controversial nature make it one of the most expensive Rolling Stones’ collectibles out there.