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- 8 Vinyl Records That Are Worth a Fortune (financebuzz.com)
Dust Off Those Records! Your Vinyl Collection Might Be a Hidden Goldmine
Got a stack of old vinyl gathering dust in the attic? It might be time to pull them out, because some of those classic LPs could be worth a small fortune, especially with the recent resurgence of vinyl’s popularity.
Whether you’re just curious about the value of your cherished collection or looking to make some extra cash by “flipping” rare albums, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of eight highly sought-after records that could already be sitting on your shelf.
1. The Beatles – Love Me Do (EP)
Remember those special promotional copies sent to radio DJs and music critics before an album’s official release? They’re like golden tickets now.
A 7-inch promo copy of The Beatles’ “Love Me Do” once fetched almost $15,000 on Discogs, a major online music marketplace. Even non-promotional copies of the single can still bring in a decent sum, with a median selling price of $68.06.
2. David Bowie – David Bowie
Bowie’s self-titled debut album is a collector’s dream. First-edition UK stereo LPs have sold for as much as $4,300.
With only 245 reported owners on Discogs and over 2,000 interested buyers, it’s clear why the price is so high. While US pressings or the mono UK version might not hit those dizzying heights, a good-quality copy could still net you between $300 and $1,000.
3. Pink Floyd – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Pink Floyd’s psychedelic first album, released two years before Bowie’s debut, also holds significant value. An incredibly rare Japanese test pressing of the stereo version once sold for $6,500.
Even the US stereo pressing can be valuable, with reseller prices ranging up to $376. And don’t forget their later masterpiece, “Dark Side of the Moon.”
While the median selling price for the UK stereo release is $403, one copy recently soared to $2,341.94!
4. Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Before its official release, Columbia Records distributed a limited number of promotional copies of Springsteen’s 1975 epic. Two of these are currently listed on Discogs for over $4,300, and one copy previously sold for a whopping $5,500. However, if you have a non-promotional US pressing, it’s more of a musical treasure than a financial one due to its wide distribution.
5. The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvets’ iconic, Andy Warhol-produced debut might not have been a smash hit initially, but first pressings are highly valuable today. Most versions can sell for up to $2,000, depending on their condition. The East Coast mono pressing of the US release, however, has commanded as much as $9,000 on Discogs!
6. Mötley Crüe – Too Fast For Love
Mötley Crüe’s scorching 1981 debut heavy metal album can also bring in serious cash. First pressings of the US edition have sold for an impressive $8,700. While you’re more likely to score the median price of $202, even lesser-quality versions of this LP are still valuable, going for no less than $60.
7. Prince – The Black Album
Prince’s legendary and famously unreleased “The Black Album” is a true holy grail for collectors. With Prince famously requesting all copies be destroyed just before its intended release, existing records are incredibly rare. If you’re one of the fortunate few, a Canadian pressing sold for an astounding $27,500 on Discogs in 2018.
8. Joy Division – An Ideal for Living (EP)
Before they were Joy Division, they were Warsaw. This 7-inch EP, recorded under their original name, features the band’s new name on the sleeve.
While the first UK pressing of “An Ideal for Living” has sold for as little as $9.99, sellers have also raked in up to $8,602. Currently, only two copies are listed for sale on Discogs, both at $7,999.
The Bottom Line: Your Collection Might Be Worth More Than You Think!
Even if you don’t have one of these ultra-rare records, don’t despair! You might be pleasantly surprised by how much other items in your collection could boost your bank account.
If you’re curious about evaluating your vinyl, head over to Discogs. It’s a great resource to get an idea of whether other music lovers value your records as much as you do.
Money Tips That Can Work For Everyone
No matter your financial situation, there’s always room to optimize and improve. Here’s a quick checklist of things you can look at today:
- **Focus on paying off your debt. ** Debt can be a major roadblock to financial progress.
Beyond cutting expenses, consider tools like balance transfer credit cards or debt counseling to pay it off faster.
- Earning extra income can provide much-needed breathing room.
If finances are tight, supplementing your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option, but a part-time side hustle could be a better fit if you’re not ready for a big change or are already retired.
- **Cut your expenses. ** This doesn’t have to be painful!
Start by looking at your biggest expenses, as that’s where you’ll likely find the most significant savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring, so shopping around for a new insurance company could be the fastest way to reduce your bill.
Planning a vacation? Finding the right travel credit card could help offset those costs.
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- 8 Vinyl Records That Are Worth a Fortune (financebuzz.com)