Looking to discover the most valuable vinyl records? In this article, we highlight the rarest and most sought-after vinyls, from Led Zeppelin to The Beatles, and everything in between. Learn a bit more about vinyl collecting and find out which records are donning top dollar price tags. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this guide is a must-read for any vinyl enthusiast.
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What Are the Most Valuable Vinyl Records on the Market?
Led Zeppelin - "Led Zeppelin" (1969)
A rare first pressing with turquoise lettering on the cover is worth around $5,000. This debut album from one of rock and roll's most iconic acts is a steal if you can manage to find it online.
The Beatles - "Please Please Me" (1963)
A rare first pressing of the album with a gold and black label is valued at around $15,000. When it comes to rare vinyls, The Beatles are behind some of the most valuable on the market, and it comes as no surprise.
Pink Floyd - "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" (1967)
A rare UK pressing of Pink Floyd's debut album featuring a cover with a solid blue border is worth around $7,000. Pink Floyd is yet another legendary rock group whose musical prowess has scored a high price tag for their rare vinyls.
The Velvet Underground & Nico - "The Velvet Underground & Nico" (1967)
An original pressing with a peelable banana on the cover is valued at around $20,000. Andy Warhol was behind the design for this special project, making it all the more valuable.
Bob Dylan - "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" (1963)
A rare version of this album featuring four previously unreleased tracks is worth around $30,000. Bob Dylan's introductory project brings in a lot of dough, if you can manage to find the right editions of the vinyl.
The Rolling Stones - "Street Fighting Man"/"No Expectations" (1968)
A limited edition pressing with a cover featuring a controversial image of police brutality during the 1968 Democratic National Convention is valued at around $17,000. Though very controversial, this is one of the most sought-after vinyls on the market.
Elvis Presley - "My Happiness"/"That's When Your Heartaches Begin" (1953)
The only known copy of Elvis Presley's first recording was sold at the Graceland Auction in 2015 for $300,000. That was 2015, so it's safe to assume the price has only gone up in the time since.
Sex Pistols - "God Save the Queen"/"No Feelings" (1977)
The first 25,000 copies of this single were pressed with a picture sleeve featuring a toilet, making it one of the most sought-after punk records. A copy in mint condition is worth around $15,000. One copy was sold on Discogs in 2018 for nearly $16,000, breaking the existing record on the platform at the time, which was previously held by The Beatles.
The Beatles - "Yesterday and Today" (1966)
An original "Butcher Cover" version, with the controversial cover that was quickly withdrawn by the label, is valued at around $20,000. A signed version sold at auction in 2019 for over $234,000, as reported by Rolling Stone.
The Beatles - "The Beatles" (also known as "The White Album") (1968)
A rare first pressing with a serial number lower than 0000005 is valued at around $50,000. The first-ever copy was sold at auction by Ringo Starr for just under the price of $1 million. Picture that: a single record selling for around $1 million. With vinyl re-popularizing and inflation running its course, it's safe to expect that these prices will only go up.