Vinyl records may be a thing of the past for some as we increasingly listen to music through phones, but for collectors, they are the perfect blend of nostalgia, art, and value. Record collectors prize those that are rare, unique, significant, or from a prominent artist. Below are some valuable vinyl records from the 60s and 70s, including selections from The Beatles and Elvis.
6. White Album – The Beatles
Starting our list of valuable vinyl records is “The White Album” by The Beatles. The band’s ninth official studio album, it was released in 1968 with 30 tracks and a plain white cover. There are a couple of rare versions of this album, with one having the serial number embossed on the front, while another is a prototype album with the album title in script font. The most expensive, though, is a rare double LP with a white gatefold cover stamped with the serial number “0000001.” It sold for $790,000 in 2015.
5. A Love Supreme – Jimmy Coltrane
Fifth on our list of valuable vinyl records is “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane. Released in 1965, the album is considered one of the best jazz albums of all time. The original pressing featured a white label and the words “Prestige Records” printed on the front. Later pressings of the album switched the label to a blue and white version, making the original rare. One sold in 2006 for $30,000.
4. Moody Blue – Elvis
Next on our list of valuable vinyl records is “Moody Blue” by Elvis Presley. This was Elvis’s last record, released in 1977, just months before the singer passed away. “Moody Blue” features ten tracks, including the title track, “Moody Blue,” and a cover of “Blueberry Hill.” The most valuable version of this record is a mint edition sealed copy, which sold in 2020 for $3,000.
3. The Street Fighting Man – The Rolling Stones
Rounding out the top three valuable vinyl records is “The Street Fighting Man” by The Rolling Stones. The single song was released in 1968, with the original UK pressing featuring the phrase “Copyright Control” printed on the label. Since later pressings were marked with “Gideon Music Inc.” due to a copyright dispute, the originals skyrocketed in value. One of these originals was sold in 2011 for $17,000.
2. Are You Experienced? – Jimi Hendrix Experience
Second on our list of valuable vinyl records is “Are You Experienced?” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. A defining album for Jimi Hendrix, it was released in 1967 through Reprise Records. The original vinyl featured a purple label design dripping down from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner of both sides. This variation has become highly collectible in recent years and was sold in 2020 for around $18,000.
1. God Save the Queen – Sex Pistols
Last but not least on our list of valuable vinyl records is “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols. The single was released in 1977, just before the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, though many record stores refused to stock the vinyl due to its controversial content. The original pressing featured a sleeve with a picture of the Queen with her eyes crossed out. Most copies were destroyed when the record company A&M dropped the band. Today, any surviving copies are extremely valuable, with one selling in 2003 for $20,000.