10 Vinyl Records You Might Own That Are Now Worth an Absolute Fortune
Musical Treasures
Thanks to their historical significance and rarity, certain vintage records have become highly coveted among collectors and music enthusiasts. As the digital age progresses, the tangiblity and analog sound of vinyl provide a nostalgic escape and glimpse into the past — making certain records extremely valuable. Records that include limited pressings, iconic album covers, or copies signed by band members can command head-spinning amounts of money.
Whether due to their historical significance, rarity, or artistic innovation, here are 10 albums that fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars (or even millions) at auction.
1. The Beatles: 'White Album' (Serial No. A0000001)
Originally owned by Ringo Starr, this album was the very first pressing of the band's iconic "White Album." Praised not just for its music but also for its minimalistic cover and unique serial number, the album fetched a whopping $790,000 at auction. If you own any Beatles' memorabilia, especially items directly associated with the band's early releases or unique features, they can command high sums from collectors.
2. Elvis Presley: 'My Happiness'
Elvis’s first-ever recording, this acetate recording of "My Happiness" was produced in 1953 by Sun Records. Considered by some critics to be the holy grail of rock and roll, the record snagged a cool $300,000 at Presley's 80th birthday auction. The record's impressive price tag was attributed to its one-of-a-kind status and massive influence that Presley, aka the King of Rock N' Roll, had on the music industry at the time.
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3. Wu-Tang Clan: 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin'
Only one copy of this album by the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan exists, making it extraordinarily rare. The album was first purchased by Martin Shkreli for $2 million in 2015, making it one of the most expensive individual albums ever sold. But in 2021, the U.S. government sold the album again to an "anonymous buyer" for an "undisclosed amount" after Shkreli was convicted of securities fraud. Still, the album's scarcity is proof of its immense value.
4. The Beatles: 'Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band' (Signed)
An original U.K. first press mono version of this groundbreaking album, signed by all four members of The Beatles, sold for a whopping $290,500 at auction. The album's innovative music and iconic cover art make it highly sought after by die-hard Beatles' fans. When it comes to records, authentic autographs on a single item are considered exceedingly rare and are highly prized by fans and collectors alike.
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5. John Lennon & Yoko Ono: 'Double Fantasy' (Signed by Lennon)
This album became infamous and tragically valuable as John Lennon signed it for Mark David Chapman just hours before Chapman (a deranged fan) fatally shot Lennon outside his apartment in New York's Central Park. The record's historical significance and the grim association with Lennon's death have pushed its auction price up to $150,000.
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6. Bob Dylan: 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' (Withdrawn Version)
This version contains four tracks that were later removed from subsequent releases, making it extremely rare. Only a handful of copies are known to exist — with one fetching over $35,000 at auction due to its uniqueness and historical significance. The rarity of the deleted tracks, coupled with the allure of Dylan's songwriting prowess, makes this a treasured item for enthusiasts and collectors of music history.
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7. Pink Floyd: 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' (Signed by Syd Barrett)
This original U.K. mono pressing of Pink Floyd's debut album, signed by Syd Barrett, is incredibly valuable. Barrett, the band's original frontman, left the group shortly after its release, making his autograph extremely rare and sought-after by collectors. This particular copy, which sold for an impressive $10,000 at auction, is considered by some critics to be a landmark of psychedelic rock, further enhancing its appeal.
8. The Rolling Stones: 'Street Fighting Man' (Original Sleeve)
This record's original sleeve was pulled by the label due to its potentially incendiary content during a politically-volatile time. The controversial sleeve featured a picture of police brutality against protesters, which the label deemed too provocative during the heightened social unrest of the late 1960s. Few copies with the original sleeve can still be found today; one such copy sold for over $17,000 in 2015.
9. David Bowie: 'Diamond Dogs' (Canadian Misprint)
This version of the album features an artwork variant that was quickly pulled due to an unintentional misprint, making it a rare collector's item. Though a copy was sold at auction in 2003 for approximately $3,500, its value has continued to rise since then — with current estimates placing its worth at around $10,000. The rarity and iconic status of Bowie also make this unique version highly sought-after among fans.
10. The Sex Pistols: 'God Save the Queen' (A&M Records)
After parting ways with A&M Records, all copies of this single were supposed to be destroyed. But much to the chagrin of producers, a few managed to survived. Its rarity, combined with the band's pivotal role in the British punk rock movement of that time, makes it extremely valuable. It sold for nearly $17,000 at auction (£13,000) in 2019.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
