Did you know that old vinyl record albums were coated with a chemical similar to nail polish? But it’s what’s on that nail polish coating that makes all the difference to the value of the album. Unfortunately, vinyl albums that have been created more recently are thinner if you noticed. That is another reason why this list of older, vintage vinyl albums has increased in value over the years.
So if you know someone who no longer finds any use for these vinyl relics of yesteryear, check out this list and see which ones have any value. The condition of the vinyl is critical, as is the group or recording artist. Remember that not all vinyl is created equal, and the same holds true for who is on the grooves.
Here’s the list, in descending order – low price to high price…
Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
The 1984 promotional version is worth $43.00.
L.A. Woman – The Doors
The 1971 “slide cover” version of the album is worth $44.00.
Thriller – Michael Jackson
The 1982 CBS Mastersound series version is worth $53.00.
Blinded By The Light – Bruce Springsteen
This 1972 single is worth $72.00.
A Saucerful of Secrets – Pink Floyd
1968 Rare label is worth $75.00
The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground
The 1967 first pressing of this classic is worth $102.
The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen
Score another one for The Boss! The 1995 first pressing of this album is worth $109.00!
Back to Mono – Phil Spector
This 1991 boxed set is worth $153.00.
Let It Be – The Replacements
The 1984 limited edition is worth $159.00.
The Division Bell – Pink Floyd
The 1994 first pressing is worth $161.00.
Metallica – Metallica
The 1991 first pressing of this album, nicknamed by fans “The Black Album” is worth $169.00.
Wildflowers – Tom Petty
The 1994 first pressing of this album is worth $217.00.
I Robot – The Alan Parsons Project
The 1983 limited edition is worth $250.00. That’s kind of amazing.
The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
And the original Jersey rocker wins another spot on the list. The 2002 first pressing of this album goes for $265.00.
Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness – The Smashing Pumpkins
The 1996 limited edition version of this album is worth $282.00
The Old Masters, Box Two – Zappa
The 1986 boxed set is worth $300.00. Anybody got $300 we can borrow?
Lawn Bow – Phish
The 1990 limited release is worth $500.00. That’s a lot of money to dish out for even the best jam band.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
This boxed set reissue from 1982 is worth $500.00
BBC Sessions – Led Zeppelin
This 1997 boxed set is worth $538.00.
The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
The 1973 Gatefold sleeve edition is worth $593.00.
The Joshua Tree Collection – U2
The 1987 boxed set is worth $672.00.
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin
The rare 1969 first pressing with the turquoise lettering is worth $806.00.
The Beatles Collection – The Beatles
The 1982 boxed set is worth $1000.00.
Bleach – Nirvana
The 1992 limited release is worth $1100.00.
This is just a sampling of popular records that might be in your collection. More expensive albums have been sold, for sure. Here’s hoping you have some of these and they’re in good shape.