Of all the ways that people invest their money, collecting vinyl records has become increasingly popular over the years. Some of the most valuable records in the world are worth tens of thousands of dollars, and they are highly sought-after by collectors all around the globe. Here are some of the most valuable records that exist:
-
The Beatles – ‘Yesterday and Today’ (1966)
This album, also known as the ‘Butcher Cover,’ features an image of The Beatles covered in raw meat and dismembered dolls. The original cover was considered too graphic and was replaced with a more tame photograph of the band. However, some copies of the original album were still sent to record stores, making them incredibly rare and valuable. A sealed copy of the ‘Butcher Cover’ can be worth up to $125,000.
-
Bob Dylan – ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ (1963)
The rarest version of this album features four tracks that were removed from later releases. These tracks include “Rocks and Gravel,” “Let Me Die In My Footsteps,” “Gamblin’ Willie’s Dead Man’s Hand,” and “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues.” A copy of this album in mint condition can be worth over $35,000.
-
Elvis Presley – ‘My Happiness’ (1953)
This is the very first recording Elvis Presley ever made. He paid $4 to record two songs on acetate at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. The record was given to his friend, Ed Leek, as a gift, and eventually made its way into the hands of collector Jack White, who purchased it for $300,000 in 2015.
-
The Rolling Stones – ‘Street Fighting Man’ (1968)
This single was pulled from circulation shortly after its release due to concerns over the violent content of the song. The original pressing of the single is incredibly rare and can be worth up to $17,000.
-
The Sex Pistols – ‘God Save the Queen’ (1977)
The Sex Pistols were notorious for their controversial lyrics and provocative behavior. This single was banned from the airwaves in the UK, but it still managed to reach number two on the charts. A limited edition pressing of the single in a paper sleeve can be worth up to $20,000.
-
Pink Floyd – ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ (1967)
This is Pink Floyd’s debut album, and it features the original lineup of the band, including Syd Barrett. The original pressing of the album can be worth up to $20,000.
-
Led Zeppelin – ‘Led Zeppelin’ (1969)
The original pressing of Led Zeppelin’s debut album features turquoise lettering on the cover. This version is incredibly rare and can be worth up to $10,000.
-
The Velvet Underground & Nico – ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ (1967)
This album was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since become a cult classic. The original pressing of the album features a peelable banana on the cover, and it can be worth up to $25,000.
-
The Beatles – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
This album features The Beatles’ first number one hit, “Please Please Me.” The original pressing of the album is incredibly rare and can be worth up to $12,000.
-
Prince – ‘The Black Album’ (1987)
Prince originally planned to release this album in 1987, but he pulled it at the last minute because he believed it was too dark. Some copies of the album were already pressed, and they have since become highly sought-after by collectors.