Vinyl records aren’t just for audiophiles anymore—they’re serious business for collectors, investors, and music historians. Some records, because of their extreme rarity, cultural significance, or unique backstories, have fetched jaw-dropping prices at auctions and private sales. Here are eleven of the most valuable records ever sold, each with a fascinating story to match its price tag (these are in no particular order):
The Beatles The Beatles (The White Album) No. 0000001
💰 Sold for: $790,000 (2015)
This isn’t just any "White Album." It’s #0000001, the very first pressing, originally owned by Ringo Starr. Kept in pristine condition for decades, this copy sold at auction to benefit Starr’s charity—making it the most expensive commercially released vinyl ever sold.
Wu-Tang Clan Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
💰 Sold for: $2 million (2015), $4 million (2021)
Only one copy of this secretive 31-track album was ever made. Packaged in an ornate silver case, it was sold to Martin Shkreli, later seized by the U.S. government, and eventually resold for a reported $4 million in 2021. A true one-of-a-kind.
Wu-Tang Clan Once Upon a Time in Shaolin one-of-one album in it's ornate case on display for auction by the U.S. government after being seized
Elvis Presley – "My Happiness" (acetate)
💰 Sold for: $300,000 (2015)
This was Elvis’ first-ever recording, made in 1953 at Sun Records as a gift for his mother. Purchased by Jack White of The White Stripes, it was later re-released to fans via his label, Third Man Records.
The Beatles – "Love Me Do" (demo acetate)
💰 Sold for: $100,000+ (private sale)
This ultra-rare demo of the Beatles’ debut single was pressed in very limited numbers and sent to radio stations in 1962. Fewer than 10 copies are known to exist today, making it a coveted piece for hardcore collectors.
Sex Pistols – "God Save the Queen" (A&M Records pressing)
💰 Sold for: $17,000–$20,000+
After signing and quickly dropping the Sex Pistols, A&M destroyed most of the 25,000 pressed singles. Only a handful survived. A pristine copy has been known to go for well over $20,000—a punk rock collector’s dream.
The Beatles – "Please Please Me" (Black & Gold label)
💰 Sold for: $4,200–$30,000+ (Condition Dependent)
First UK pressings with the “black and gold” Parlophone label are rare, especially with the early misprint of “Dick James Mus.” Mint-condition copies or ones signed by band members can fetch up to $30,000+.
The Beatles Yesterday And Today (original sealed "butcher" cover)
💰 Sold for: $40,000–$240,000 (owner dependent)
The most famous "first state" butcher covers were those belonging to former president of Capitol Records, Alan Livingston, who kept a box of 24 sealed butchers. His copies first appeared on the collectors’ market in 1987 and today, copies of these “Livingstone butchers” fetch over $40,000 – sealed stereo copies being by far the most valuable. Of course the person who had John Lennon's personal copy was able to sell it in 2019 for £180,000 (US$240,000). Learn more about this infamous album in our article here.
Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (withdrawn version)
💰 Sold for: $35,000+
Early pressings of this iconic Dylan album featured four tracks that were later removed. Only about 20 copies with the original tracklist exist. One sold for over $35,000, and the value only continues to rise.
Aphex Twin – Caustic Window (test pressing)
💰 Sold for: $46,300 (2014)
A single test pressing of this unreleased 1994 album surfaced on Discogs. Crowdfunded by fans for a digital release, the record was ultimately bought by Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson for $46,300.
Frank Wilson – "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" (Motown promo)
💰 Sold for: $25,000–$40,000+
Only two copies of this Northern Soul holy grail are known to exist. Motown's Berry Gordy had the record pulled and destroyed, but two promos escaped the flames. One later sold for over £25,000 (US$40,000).
The Quarrymen – "That’ll Be the Day"/"In Spite of All the Danger" (acetate)
💰 Estimated Value: $200,000+
Before The Beatles, there was The Quarrymen. This one-of-a-kind 1958 acetate, featuring Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison, is owned by Paul McCartney. While it’s never been sold, experts estimate it could fetch over $200,000 if it ever hits the auction block
Why These Records Are Worth a Fortune
These aren’t just dusty old LPs—each of them is tied to a musical milestone, an unheard story, or a glimpse into pop culture history. Their astronomical value is driven by factors like:
*Rarity (e.g., one-of-one pressings or acetates, copies existing after a release was withdrawn, etc.)
*Historical Significance (early Beatles or Elvis tracks)
*Condition (sealed, mint, and unplayed copies fetch the most)
*Provenance (owned by legends like members of the Beatles)
There are plenty of other entries that could have been on this list. As vinyl continues its massive resurgence and music fans rediscover the joys of analog sound, the demand for iconic records is only increasing. And who knows? That box of dusty records in the attic of that old house you bought might just contain something legendary.
Interested in genuine, properly authenticated signed music memorabilia? Check out our selection here. How about genuine RIAA Gold and Platinum and other record awards? Check out our selection here. We typically have hundreds in stock.
Want more content like this? If you're not a subscriber already, sign up for our free MusicGoldmine newsletter which comes out every two weeks. Go here to sign up plus get a code for 15% off your first purchase.
Be the envy of all your friends! Get MusicGoldmine.com Music History in your Facebook feed each day. Just follow us on Facebook here
