The Top 6 Most Expensive Vinyl Records Ever Sold

Vinyl collecting has always been a popular hobby among music enthusiasts, but some collectors take it to a whole new level by investing in rare and valuable vinyl records. From iconic punk rock bands to legendary artists, these vinyl records have fetched exorbitant prices at auctions, making them some of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold.

One such record is “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols, which was released in 1977 just before Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee. The controversial single was so provocative that many record stores refused to sell it, leading to its scarcity and high value. A collector managed to sell a copy of the album, still in its original A&M envelope, for a staggering USD 20,000 in 2006. With only nine known copies left in the world, this vinyl record is a prized possession for any serious collector.

Another record that commands a high price tag is “The Black Album” by Prince, which was never officially released due to the artist’s belief that the album was “evil.” In 2017, five copies of the album were discovered in Canada and sold for USD 42,000 each, reflecting the mystique and allure of Prince’s music.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Double Fantasy” album holds a special place in music history as the last album featuring Lennon before his tragic death. A unique copy of the vinyl, signed by both Lennon and Ono and given to Lennon’s assassin Mark Chapman just hours before the fatal shooting, was sold for a staggering USD 150,000, making it a rare and valuable piece for collectors.

Elvis Presley’s “My Happiness” single, recorded in 1953 when he was just 18 years old, was rediscovered in 2015 and sold to Jack White of The White Stripes for USD 300,000. The sentimental value of this early recording, coupled with Presley’s iconic status, contributed to its high price at auction.

The Beatles’ “White Album” is a classic double LP that marked the end of the band’s era and is highly sought after by collectors. The most expensive version of the album, with a unique serial number stamped on the front as “0000001,” fetched a whopping USD 790,000 at auction, reflecting the enduring popularity of the legendary band.

Finally, Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” album holds the record for the most expensive vinyl record ever sold, with a price tag of USD 4 million. The album, recorded over six years and encased in a jewel-encrusted box, is the only copy in existence and comes with strict restrictions on its release. Purchased by Martin Shkreli and later sold by the US Department of Justice, this rare and valuable album remains a coveted item for music collectors.

In a world where digital music dominates the industry, these rare and valuable vinyl records serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal and value of physical music collections. For serious collectors, owning one of these prized vinyl records is not just a hobby but a passion and a valuable investment in music history.