There’s something truly magical about vinyl records. The tactile feel of the sleeve, the nostalgic crackle before the music begins, and of course, the rich, warm sound that only vinyl can provide.
But beyond the auditory and sensory pleasure they bring, some records have also become incredibly valuable collectibles. From misprints to limited editions, some vinyl records have become hot commodities in the collectors market, often selling for staggering amounts. Here, we’ll take a look at 14 old records that sell faster than you’d expect.
These aren’t just any old records, these are the cream of the crop, the rarest of the rare. So, let’s dust off the turntable and dive into the fascinating world of vinyl collecting.
1. The Beatles’ “White Album” Original Vinyl Edition
When it comes to collectible records, it’s hard to top The Beatles. Their “White Album” original vinyl edition is particularly sought after by collectors. This album, known for its plain white cover, was originally released in 1968 and has since become a prized possession. If you happen to have a low-numbered copy (the first four pressings were numbered), you could be sitting on a mini fortune. The “White Album” is not only a testament to The Beatles’ musical genius, but also a piece of rock history that any fan would be proud to own.
2. Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin'” Misprint Version
Bob Dylan’s second studio album, “The Freewheelin'”, is another record that consistently draws high bids. However, it’s the misprint version that really gets collectors excited. This version accidentally included four songs that were not meant to be in the final release. These copies were quickly recalled and replaced, making the misprint version incredibly rare. It’s a little piece of music history that’s worth its weight in gold.
3. Elvis Presley’s “My Happiness” Acetate First Recording
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, needs no introduction. His first-ever recording, an acetate disc of “My Happiness,” sold at auction for a whopping $300,000 in 2015. This one-of-a-kind record is a precious artifact of music history and a must-have for any serious Elvis collector. It’s a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a legend, making it an incredibly valuable and fast-selling record.
4. The Sex Pistols’ “God Save The Queen” A&M Records Version
The Sex Pistols’ single “God Save The Queen” is infamous in the world of vinyl collecting. The band was signed to A&M Records for a brief period before being dropped due to their outrageous behavior. During this short tenure, a small number of “God Save The Queen” singles were pressed. These rare A&M versions of the single can fetch a pretty penny at auction, often selling in a flash thanks to their rarity and the band’s enduring cult following.
5. The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” Promotional Copy
Another record that’s become a hot commodity in the collectors market is The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” promotional copy. This version was intended for radio stations and featured a controversial cover image that was quickly withdrawn and replaced. This makes the original promotional copies highly sought after and quick to sell. For any Rolling Stones fan or record collector, this is a must-have gem.
6. David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” Banned Cover Version
David Bowie is known for his boundary-pushing music and style. His “Diamond Dogs” album is no exception, especially the original cover version, which featured a controversial piece of artwork that was quickly replaced. These original copies have become highly collectible, often selling faster than you’d expect. It’s a testament to Bowie’s enduring appeal and the allure of music history.
7. The Velvet Underground & Nico’s “Banana Album” Early Pressing
The Velvet Underground & Nico’s “Banana Album” is iconic in more ways than one. Not only does it feature groundbreaking music, but its cover, designed by Andy Warhol, has become one of the most recognizable in rock history. Early pressings of the album, featuring a peel-off banana sticker, are particularly sought after and tend to sell quickly. It’s a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history that’s worth its weight in vinyl.
8. Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin” Turquoise Sleeve Edition
Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album is a staple in any rock music collection. However, the turquoise sleeve edition is a true collector’s item. This version, featuring a turquoise lettered sleeve, was quickly replaced with a more common orange lettering, making the turquoise version highly sought after. This record is not only a piece of Led Zeppelin history, but also a testament to the enduring appeal of vinyl records.
9. Hank Mobley’s “Blue Note 1568” with Alternate Cover
Jazz enthusiasts and vinyl collectors alike covet Hank Mobley’s “Blue Note 1568” with its alternate cover. This rare vinyl pressing is considered one of the most valuable jazz records ever produced. With only about 1,000 copies pressed, it’s not surprising that this record sells faster than you’d expect. It’s a gem worth having for any jazz lover or record collector.
10. Prince’s “The Black Album” Limited Release Version
Prince’s “The Black Album” is shrouded in mystery and controversy, adding to its allure. Originally slated for release in 1987, Prince cancelled it at the last minute, making the few existing copies extremely rare and valuable. This record, if you’re lucky enough to find one, sells faster than you’d expect due to its rarity and the enduring popularity of the artist.
11. Bruce Springsteen’s “Spirit in the Night” Misprint Version
Bruce Springsteen’s “Spirit in the Night” misprint version is another record that’s desirable among collectors. This version features the title misprinted as “Spirit in the Night,” making it a unique find. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of The Boss and a reminder that even mistakes can become valuable collectibles.
12. Tommy Johnson’s “Alcohol and Jake Blues” 78 RPM Version
From the era of blues and early rock ‘n’ roll comes Tommy Johnson’s “Alcohol and Jake Blues” 78 RPM version. This record, one of the most valuable blues records in existence, is a coveted item among collectors. Its rarity and historical significance make it a hot item that sells faster than you’d expect.
13. The Quarrymen’s “That’ll Be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger” Acetate Copy
The Quarrymen, who would later become The Beatles, recorded “That’ll Be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger” as a demo. Only one acetate copy was made, making this one of the rarest and most valuable records in the world. This record is a piece of music history that sells faster than you’d expect, offering a glimpse into the early days of one of the world’s most famous bands.
14. Robert Johnson’s “Me and the Devil Blues/ Little Queen of Spades” 78 RPM Version
Last but certainly not least is Robert Johnson’s “Me and the Devil Blues/ Little Queen of Spades” 78 RPM version. This record, one of the most sought-after blues records in existence, is a testament to Johnson’s enduring influence on music. It’s a highly desirable item among collectors and sells faster than you’d expect due to its rarity and historical significance.
So there you have it, 14 old records that sell faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these records offer a fascinating look into the world of vinyl collecting. Happy hunting!