Vinyl records, especially rare and collectible ones, can command high prices in the collector’s market. Here are some of the top 10 most valuable vinyl records ever sold, as of my last knowledge update in September 2021:
- The Beatles – “The Beatles” (White Album)
- A rare numbered copy of The Beatles’ self-titled double album from 1968, often referred to as the “White Album,” sold for $790,000 in 2020. This particular copy was serial number 0000010 and had historical significance.
- Wu-Tang Clan – “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin”
- The Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” of which only one copy was produced, was sold for $2 million in 2015. The album’s uniqueness and limited availability made it highly valuable.
- The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (Black and Gold Label)
- A rare copy of The Beatles’ debut album, “Please Please Me,” with a black and gold Parlophone label, fetched £50,000 (approximately $69,000) in 2019. This edition is highly sought after by collectors.
- Elvis Presley – “My Happiness”
- In 2015, Jack White of The White Stripes purchased the first-ever recording by Elvis Presley, “My Happiness,” for $300,000. It’s considered one of the most historically significant records in rock and roll history.
- Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (A&M Version)
- A rare copy of the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” single, pressed by A&M Records before it was dropped by the label, sold for £10,000 (approximately $13,800) in 2020.
- The Quarrymen – “That’ll Be the Day”
- The Quarrymen, the band that eventually became The Beatles, recorded “That’ll Be the Day” in 1958. A copy of this acetate recording sold for £50,000 (approximately $69,000) in 2020.
- Bob Dylan – “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” (Withdrawn Cover)
- An early pressing of Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” with a withdrawn cover featuring a photo of Dylan and his then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo sold for $35,000 in 2015. The cover was changed because Rotolo’s parents disapproved of the image.
- The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (Black and Gold Label, Mono)
- Another copy of The Beatles’ “Please Please Me,” this time in mono and with the black and gold Parlophone label, sold for £50,000 (approximately $69,000) in 2013.
- Prince – “The Black Album”
- A rare promotional copy of Prince’s “The Black Album” sold for $42,298 in 2018. The album was originally scheduled for release in 1987 but was pulled at the last minute.
- The Beatles – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Mono First Pressing)
- A mono first pressing of The Beatles’ iconic album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” sold for £50,000 (approximately $69,000) in 2013. The mono mix is considered by some audiophiles to be superior to the stereo mix.
Please note that the values of rare vinyl records can fluctuate over time due to changes in the collector’s market. Additionally, new records may have entered the list since my last knowledge update. Collectors often seek out records with unique features, historical significance, or limited availability, which can drive up their value.