6 Most Valuable Cassette Tapes Worth a Lot of Money to Collect

First introduced in the 1960s, cassette tapes gained popularity around the 1970s. The analog magnetic tape recorder was great for audio recording and playback. But of course, they soon dwindled away when CDs became big, and now, they’re often lost through history. But there are some valuable cassette tapes that are worth a lot of money for those who want to collect. Check out these expensive tapes.

6. Metallic, Ride the Lightning

Starting strong with one of the greatest heavy metal bands, we have Metallica with their Ride the Lightning cassette. The first print edition, in mint condition, has earned a spot on the list today by selling for a staggering $4,000 back in 2023 on Value Your Money.

5. Xero, Xero

The second version of Xero’s self-titled demo tape is a rare cassette that is also one of the most valuable cassette tapes. It’s the first recorded material by the band, who later changed their name to Hybrid Theory, also known as Linkin Park today. Because of its rarity and because it was released back in 1997, the tape sold for $4,500 back in 2017.

4. Eminem, Infinite

Of course, with Eminem being one of the greats, especially in the hip-hop and rap genres, he has a spot on the list of most valuable cassette tapes. The tape, called Infinite, was released in 1996 and was sold for a whopping $5,000 back in 2018 on Value Your Music.

3. The Deftones, Deftones

According to the front cover of this cassette tape, only 15 copies were ever made, making it not only one of the most valuable cassette tapes, but also one of the rarest. Released in 1992 by Deftones, the self-released cassette is a limited edition one in the rock genre. And according to Discogs, a cassette sold in 2025 for $5,000.

2. The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince), The Versace Experience

Referring to Prince Rogers Nelson during the period when he adopted an unpronounceable symbol as his stage name in 1993, The Artist (formerly known as Prince) has one of the most valuable cassette tapes in the world. With his The Versace Experience – Prelude 2 Gold, which was released in 1995, the cassette sold for $5,194 according to Discogs.

1. Juice WRLD & Future, WRLD on Drugs

Released in 2018, Juice WRLD and Future have one of the most valuable cassette tapes in the world. While you can probably find the tape for around $300, one did sell in 2023 for $14,985 on Value Your Music after receiving 10 bids. The cassette was brand new, sealed, and in seemingly mint condition.