For many people, vinyl might seem like an outdated blast from the past.
But the retro listening format is in the midst of a revival – with a staggering 6.7 million discs sold in the UK last year, generating an impressive £196 million.
Artists including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Billie Eilish have all jumped on the trend, releasing multiple, expensive physical variations of the same albums.
However, if you really want to make a profit, it’s the old classics you should be looking out for.
Experts from A2D2 have revealed the UK’s 10 most valuable vinyl records – with some commanding prices well into their thousands.
‘Those old vinyl records may be hidden in record collections handed down through generations, or they may be sitting and waiting in your local charity shop,’ it said.
‘These hidden gems are just waiting to be rediscovered and, perhaps, depending on their condition could be worth a serious amount of money.’
So, do you have any of these classic gathering dust in your attic?
In news that will come as a surprise to no-one, The Beatles top the list with their ‘The White Album’
Complex’s self-titled psychedelic progressive rock album, Complex, is the epitome of rarity
1. The Beatles – The White Album (up to £10,000)
In news that will come as a surprise to no-one, The Beatles top the list with their ‘The White Album’.
Released on 22 November 1968, this was the ninth studio album by the English band, and featured a plain white sleeve.
‘The zenith of vinyl collecting, the so-called White Album by The Beatles, holdsa special place,’ A2D2 said.
‘Original copies, especially those with low serial numbers and the original Apple logo, can be worth a fortune.
‘The gatefold cover and the pristine condition make it a crown jewel in any collection, potentially fetching up to £10,000.’
2. Complex – Complex (up to £10,000)
Complex’s self-titled psychedelic progressive rock album, Complex, is the epitome of rarity.
In fact, just 99 copies were pressed following its release back in 1971.
Dark’s 1972 album, Dark Round the Edges, is considered somewhat of a ‘holy grail’ amongst record collectors
With its turquoise typography and unique ‘Superhype’ credit, Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album, released in 1969, is one of the most valuable vinyls in the world
‘A pristine mint copy was picked up for a mere £1 and later sold for a whopping £10,000, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of vinyl collecting,’ A2D2 said.
3. Dark – Dark Round the Edges (up to £8,350)
Dark’s 1972 album, Dark Round the Edges, is considered somewhat of a ‘holy grail’ amongst record collectors.
‘With only 40 copies ever pressed, owning a mint condition gatefold copy of this album could enhance your collection’s value by up to £8,350,’ A2D2 said.
4. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (up to £7,100)
With its turquoise typography and unique ‘Superhype’ credit, Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album, released in 1969, is one of the most valuable vinyls in the world.
‘In 2013, one such pressing went for £7,100, symbolising the band’s timeless appeal and enduring love for physical records,’ A2D2 said.
5. A Fleeting Glance – A Fleeting Glance (up to £6,400)
Less than five copies of A Fleeting Glance’s album are known to exist – which only adds to its value
Yet another masterpiece from The Beatles is Please Please Me – the band’s debut album, released in 1963
Less than five copies of A Fleeting Glance’s album are known to exist – which only adds to its value.
A2D2 said: ‘The last sale almost hit £6,400, reflecting the album’s near-mythical status.’
6. The Beatles – Please Please Me (up to £6,000)
Yet another masterpiece from The Beatles is Please Please Me – the band’s debut album, released in 1963.
‘The early UK Parlophone pressings of ‘Please Please Me’ with the black and gold label are highly sought after,’ A2D2 said.
‘ If you’re lucky enough to own one, you might be able to sell it for around £6,000.’
7. Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen (up to £6,000)
God Save the Queen was released by the Sex Pistols in 1977, and has become infamous for its political controversy.
God Save the Queen was released by the Sex Pistols in 1977, and has become infamous for its political controversy
Just 1,000 copies of Joy Division’s first EP, ‘An Ideal For Living’ were pressed after its release in 1978
‘A first pressing on the A&M label, which was quickly withdrawn, can command a price of up to £6,000,’ A2D2 said.
8. Joy Division – An Ideal For Living (up to £4,700)
Just 1,000 copies of Joy Division’s first EP, ‘An Ideal For Living’ were pressed after its release in 1978.
And if you’re one of the lucky owners, you could be in for a hefty return – if you’re willing to sell it.
‘Mint copies can sell for as much as £4,700, making it a valuable find for punk enthusiasts,’ the experts said.
9. Johann Strauss II – Waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr. (up to £4,400)
A2D2 describes this rare recording as a ‘classic music collector’s dream’.
‘Featuring Andy Warhol cover art, this rare 1956 recording of waltzes performed by the Century Symphony Orchestra is a classical music collector’s dream,’ it said.
A2D2 describes Johann Strauss II – Waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr. as a ‘classic music collector’s dream’
If you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ collecting dust in your attic, you could sell it for more than £4,000
‘In mint condition, it is valued at up to £4,400.’
10. Leaf Hound – Growers of Mushroom (up to £4,100)
Finally, if you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ collecting dust in your attic, you could sell it for more than £4,000.
‘Hailed as the number one most collectable rock record by Q Magazine, Leaf Hound’s “Growers of Mushroom” is a psychedelic progressive rock album that’s as rare as they come,’ A2D2 said.
‘Mint condition copies are known to sell for up to £4,100.’
