The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most famous and influential bands in the history of music. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans around the world, and their music is still as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Over the years, many rare and collectible Beatles albums have been produced, and they have become highly sought after by collectors and music enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the rarest Beatles albums and what they are worth today.
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18. Help! (1965) – Japanese Pressing, $100
Help! is the fifth studio album by the Beatles and was released in the UK in 1965. The Japanese pressing of the album is highly prized by collectors due to its unique cover art and obi strip. The cover features a photo of the band with the title in Japanese lettering.
The obi strip is a thin strip of paper that wraps around the album and features additional information, which is also written in Japanese with bright red coloring as the background. This pressing of Help! is a rare find and can fetch up to $100 in excellent condition.
17. A Hard Day’s Night (1964) – UK Mono Pressing, $200
A Hard Day’s Night is the third studio album by the Beatles and was released in the UK in 1964. The album features songs from the movie of the same name, and the UK mono pressing of the album is highly sought after by collectors. The mono pressing is known for its unique sound quality and can fetch around $200 in excellent condition.
16. Yellow Submarine (1969) – UK Mono Pressing, $500
The mono pressing of Yellow Submarine was only released in the UK and is highly prized by collectors. The album includes songs from the animated film of the same name, as well as previously released tracks like “All You Need Is Love” and “Hey Bulldog.”
A copy in excellent condition can fetch up to $500. The album features a unique mix that differs from the stereo version and is a must-have for any Beatles collector.
15. Let It Be (1970) – UK First Pressing with Red Apple Label, $500
The UK first pressing of Let It Be is a highly sought-after album for collectors due to its unique red apple label. The album includes iconic songs like “Let It Be” and “The Long and Winding Road,” and a copy in excellent condition can fetch up to $500.
The album was the last one recorded by the Beatles and features a stripped-down sound that harkens back to their early days. The album is considered a must-have for any serious Beatles collector.
14. Revolver (1966) – US First Pressing with “Dr. Robert” Typo, $1,000
The US first pressing of Revolver is known for its rare typo on the back cover. The song “Doctor Robert” is abbreviated as “Dr.” but is spelled incorrectly as “Doktor.” This version of the album is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch up to $1,000 in excellent condition.
The album features classic tracks like “Eleanor Rigby” and “Taxman” and is considered a masterpiece of the Beatles’ discography.
13. Beatles for Sale (1964) – Export Version with Unique Cover, $1,000
Beatles for Sale is the fourth studio album by the Beatles and was released in the UK in 1964. The album features songs that were recorded during a busy period for the band and showcase their growing musicianship.
The export version of the album features a unique cover that differs from the UK version and is highly prized by collectors. The cover art features a black and white photo of the band with the title in red and green lettering. A copy of the export version of Beatles for Sale in excellent condition can fetch up to $3,000.
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12. The Beatles vs. The Four Seasons (1964) – Vee Jay Version, $1,000
Released by Vee Jay Records in 1964, The Beatles vs. The Four Seasons is a compilation album featuring songs by both bands. The album is rare due to legal issues between Vee Jay and the Beatles’ record label, which resulted in the album being quickly pulled from shelves. A copy of the album in excellent condition can fetch up to $5,000 at auction, making it a highly prized item among Beatles collectors.
11. Rubber Soul (1965) – US First Pressing with “Bob Dylan” Typo, $2,000
Rubber Soul is the sixth studio album by the Beatles and was released in the UK in 1965. The US first pressing of the album features a typo on the back cover, where Bob Dylan’s name is misspelled as “Bod Dylan.”
This version of the album is highly sought after by collectors and is a rare find. The typo is considered a printing error and adds to the album’s historical significance. A copy of the US first pressing of Rubber Soul with the “Bob Dylan” typo in excellent condition can fetch up to $2,000.
10. The White Album (1968) – UK First Pressing with Embossed Cover, $2,500
The UK’s first pressing of The White Album is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique embossed cover. The album includes classic tracks like “Back in the USSR,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Helter Skelter.” A copy in excellent condition can fetch up to $2,500. The album is known for its experimental and diverse sound and is considered one of the most significant albums of the 20th century.
9. Something New (1964) – US Release with Colorband Label, $2,500
Something New was released in the US in 1964 and features songs that had not previously been released in the US market. The album includes hits like “I’ll Cry Instead” and “And I Love Her” and features a unique color band label, making it a sought-after item among collectors. The album was a commercial success, reaching number two on the US charts, and remains popular among Beatles fans to this day. A copy of the album in excellent condition can fetch up to $2,500 at auction.
8. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) – UK Mono Pressing, $3,000
The mono pressing of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of the most sought-after Beatles albums for collectors. This version of the album was only released in the UK and features a unique mix that differs from the stereo version.
The album includes iconic songs like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “A Day in the Life,” and a copy in excellent condition can fetch up to $3,000. The album is widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking albums in the history of music.
7. The Beatles’ Second Album (1964) – Stereo Version, $5,000
The Beatles’ Second Album was released in the US in 1964 and features a mix of covers and original songs by the band. The stereo version of the album is extremely rare, as it was only released in this format in the US. The album includes songs like “She Loves You” and “Roll Over Beethoven” and is highly prized by collectors for its rarity and unique sound. A copy of the album in excellent condition can fetch up to $5,000 at auction.
6. Please Please Me (1963) – Black & Gold Label, $7,000
The debut album of The Beatles, Please Please Me, was recorded in just one day and released in the UK in 1963 on the black and gold Parlophone label. The album features iconic songs like “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Twist and Shout,” which launched the band’s career. The black and gold label version of the album is rare and historically significant. A copy of the album in excellent condition can fetch up to $7,000 at auction.
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5. Introducing… The Beatles (1964) – Vee Jay Version, $14,000
The Vee Jay version of Introducing… The Beatles was released in the US in 1964 and is one of the rarest Beatles albums in existence. The album features early Beatles hits like “Love Me Do” and “P.S. I Love You” and is highly prized by collectors for its historical significance.
The album was released without the permission of the Beatles or their record label, making it a fascinating piece of music history. A copy of the album in excellent condition can fetch up to $5,000 at auction.
4. Love Me Do/P.S. I Love You (1962) – Demo Single, $17,339
This item is one of the rarest Beatles albums around and was where the Beatles received most of their popularity. With only 250 promo copies, the record is a rare find.
However, if you find one that features Paul McCartney’s name misspelled (and instead is read as McArtney) and with the Top Pop Speical Rush Copy sleeve, then you’re looking at a coveted edition that is valued at around $17,000 like the one that sold in 2011 was priced at.
3. Yesterday and Today (1966) – Butcher Cover Version, $20,000
Yesterday and Today, the ninth studio album by the Beatles, is considered the rarest Beatles album and most valuable to own. The album was released in the US in 1966. The “Butcher Cover” version of the album features controversial cover art that shows the band dressed in white coats and covered in pieces of raw meat and doll parts. The cover art was quickly recalled due to the controversy it sparked, and a new cover was issued.
As a result, the “Butcher Cover” version of the album is highly prized by collectors, so it can be worth up to $20,000. It’s an album cover that few have even heard of, so you can bet this has a lot to do with its immense value. It also shows how music was produced historically and how much things have changed since then.
2. Til There Was You/Hello Little Girl (1962) – Brian Epstein’s Writing, $202,600
‘Holy Grail’ Beatles record sold for £77,500 at auction – BBC News
In 2016, an extremely rare Beatles record was found and sold for a whopping $202,600 and is described as a “Holy Grail” item for album collectors everywhere. It was the first Beatles disc to be cut before the band broke into the national charts and bears the writing of their manager Brian Epstein.
The record was forgotten about in the home of Les Maguire, the keyboardist in fellow Liverpool act, Gerry and the Pacemakers. The record not only is a rare find but rises in value even more as Epstein mislabeled both sides.
1. The White Album (1968) – Ringo’s Personal Album, $790,000
The number one rarest Beatles album goes to the White Album. The album features plain white sleeves with no graphics or text other than the band’s name. This was intended to be a direct contrast to the vivid cover artwork for the band’s previous LP, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band released in 1967.
The 1968 album, however, is one of the best out there, featuring 30 songs, 19 of which were written during March and April of 1968. The reason the price was so high was that it was owned by Beatles star Ringo. The personal album sold for a world record at the time in 2015, hitting a staggering amount of $790,000, making it the rarest Beatles album and one of the most expensive ones out there.
While many albums received renown due to it being a misprint, typo, or other matter, having an album that was personally owned by one of the band members is a whole other subject. Whoever is the lucky owner of this amazing album surely is keeping it safe.
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Conclusion
The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of music, and their albums remain highly prized by collectors around the world. From early recordings like Please Please Me to groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album, the Beatles have left an indelible mark on music history.
Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan or a casual listener, exploring the rarest Beatles albums can be a fascinating journey. From unique covers and labels to rare pressings and typos, these albums offer a glimpse into the rich history of the band and their impact on popular culture.
Are albums a good investment?
With every collectible, there are pros and cons to investing. When it comes to albums, such as Vinyls and CDs, it’s one collectible hobby that continues to grow over time. Even with modern technology, CDs and Vinyls are still in high demand. Albums are a great investment, especially if you come across a rare album, like these rare Beatles albums. They’re also a collectible that holds strong emotional value, which is hard to come by with other items like figurines or cards.
Are Beatles albums worth investing in?
If you’re debating whether you should invest in albums, either as a simple hobby or in hopes of monetary gain, then it’s safe to say that the Beatles have one of the most collectibles. The Beatles are one of the leading bands as they’re not only still popular for many listeners, but they also hold historical and emotional significance to this day. If you want to start investing in albums, the Beatles are a worthwhile collectible investment.
What is the most valuable Beatles album?
The most valuable Beatles album is the “Butcher Cover” version of Yesterday and Today, which can fetch up to $20,000 in excellent condition.
Are mono pressings more valuable than stereo pressings?
In general, mono pressings are more valuable than stereo pressings, especially for early Beatles albums.
Why are typos and misprints valuable to collectors?
Typos and misprints can make an album unique and rare, and collectors often seek out these versions of albums for their historical significance.
Where can I find rare Beatles albums for sale?
Rare Beatles albums can be found at specialty record stores, online marketplaces like eBay, and at auctions.
What should I look for when buying a rare Beatles album?
When buying a rare Beatles album, look for the condition of the record, cover, and any inserts or extras. The value of the album can also depend on the rarity of the pressing or edition, as well as any unique features or attributes.
