The most expensive vinyl record ever sold at auction fetched a staggering $790,000.
For passionate music collectors, the thrill of owning a piece of music history is unparalleled. Here are 14 of the rarest and most sought-after records that every collector dreams of adding to their collection.
1. The Beatles – “The Beatles” (White Album)
The first pressing of The Beatles’ self-titled album, commonly known as the “White Album,” is a true gem. With only a few copies featuring serial numbers and the band’s name embossed on the cover, this 1968 release is highly coveted.
2. Elvis Presley – “My Happiness”
Elvis Presley’s first-ever recording, “My Happiness,” was a gift for his mother. Only one copy of this 1953 acetate disc exists, making it an ultimate prize for Elvis fans and collectors alike.
3. The Quarrymen – “That’ll Be the Day/In Spite of All the Danger”
Before they became The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison recorded a demo as The Quarrymen. This 1958 acetate features covers of Buddy Holly and Larry Williams songs, with only one known copy in existence.
4. Wu-Tang Clan – “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin”
In a bold move, Wu-Tang Clan released just one copy of their secret album “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” in 2015.(ref) This one-of-a-kind record, stored in a handcrafted silver and nickel box, sold for $2 million.
5. The Velvet Underground & Nico – “The Velvet Underground & Nico”
The 1967 debut album by The Velvet Underground & Nico, featuring a peelable banana sticker designed by Andy Warhol, is a must-have for any serious collector. Original mono pressings with the sticker intact are extremely rare.
6. Jean-Michel Jarre – “Music for Supermarkets”
Electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre created a unique album called “Music for Supermarkets” in 1983. Only one vinyl copy was pressed, which Jarre later destroyed, making it a one-of-a-kind, unattainable treasure.(ref)
7. Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen”
The Sex Pistols’ controversial single “God Save the Queen” faced censorship and a ban from major retailers upon its release in 1977. A rare version featuring a promotional A&M Records label is highly sought after by punk enthusiasts.
8. Prince – “The Black Album”
Prince’s unreleased 1987 album, known as “The Black Album,” was abruptly canceled just before its release. Only a handful of promotional copies survived, making it one of the most elusive items for Prince collectors.
9. The Rolling Stones – “Street Fighting Man”
A limited edition of The Rolling Stones’ 1968 single “Street Fighting Man” featured a picture sleeve with an image of police brutality. The controversial artwork led to the sleeve’s withdrawal, making it a rare find.
10. Aphex Twin – “Caustic Window”
Electronic musician Aphex Twin’s unreleased 1994 album “Caustic Window” gained mythical status among fans. In 2014, a Kickstarter campaign raised funds to purchase and distribute digital copies of the album from a rare test pressing.
11. The Hornets – “I Can’t Believe”
The Hornets, a 1950s doo-wop group, released “I Can’t Believe” as a limited edition 78 rpm record. With only a few known copies, this rare single is highly prized by collectors of early rock and roll.
12. Stonewall – “Stonewall”
Stonewall’s self-titled album, released in 1976, is considered the holy grail of psychedelic rock. With only a handful of copies known to exist, this obscure masterpiece commands astronomical prices when it surfaces.
13. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Ready to Die”
The original pressing of The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album “Ready to Die” featured a different track listing and alternate artwork. These rare 1994 copies are highly sought after by hip-hop collectors.
14. Röyksopp – “Melody A.M.”
Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp released a limited edition version of their 2001 debut album “Melody A.M.” with a unique lenticular cover. This rare pressing showcases the album’s iconic artwork in a mesmerizing way.
Read Next:
The Untold Story Behind Seal's Iconic Facial Scars
Turn Netflix Binge-Watching Into Cash With These 8 Ideas
Disney Denies Tinker Bell's Existence, Cites Mandela Effect
Was Abe Gay? New Film Challenges Conventional Views on Lincoln's Sexuality
10 Celebrities Who Opened Up About Their ADHD Journey
Post-Dinner Plans: Watch These Thanksgiving Movie Classics
Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
