There were only 1,000 original copies pressed during the first run of this album – half pressed in stereo and half in mono. This third LP included a psychedelic butterfly poster, and if you’re lucky enough to snag an original vinyl with the poster included, you can sell it for around $1,100 on eBay.
The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Reverberation (Doubt) (1966)
If you find the right buyer, this baby goes for $4,000. A recording of just four songs – though all iconic in their own right – is what gave the psychedelic rockers their expansive influence over the psych scene. Though they’re considered pioneers, their actual discography is quite short.
Elvis Presley, Speedway (1968)
Elvis was at the end of his acting career when Speedway came out. It was an overall flop, but the soundtrack is extremely valuable. Only 300 copies were ever printed. If you were smart enough not to unwrap this beauty, you can sell it for $5,000.
Mills Brothers, Paper Doll (1944)
“Paper Doll” has been covered by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Pat Boone, though the OG version is a Mills Brothers bop that earned fame in its own right. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and named one of the Songs of the Century.
Hank Mobley, Blue Note 1568 (1957)
What makes this record special is the label on the back. You have to have an eye to look for it. The original address is listed as “47 West 63rd NYC” while others say “47 West 63rd New York 23.” Both versions are incredibly valuable, and the one with the standard label sold for $11,162.
The Beatles, I Want to Hold Your Hand (1964)
This single was the catalyst to The Beatles’ breakout in America. It kicked off The British Invasion and sold 12 million copies following the mop topped band’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The White Stripes, Lafayette Blues (1998)
There were only 15 copies of this record printed, and the cover was hand painted by David Buick, founder of Italy Records. The copies were made for a Detroit record release show for the band in 1998, and if you were there and bought one of these $6 vinyls, you could cop it now for $12,700.
George McCrae, Rock Your Baby (1974)
Written and produced by members of KC and the Sunshine Band, George McCrae’s hit “Rock Your Baby” has an irresistibly danceable disco hook. However, KC’s original singer couldn’t quite hit the notes. Rolling Stone named it the top song of that year, and it inspired hits like “Dancing Queen.”
David Bowie, Diamond Dogs (1974)
Bowie’s infamous painting was apparently never meant to see the light of day. The artist Bowie commissioned to design this cover had no idea how iconic it would become. The original, unairbrushed version goes for $3,500, though with Bowie’s recent pricing, you can tack on another K to that price.
The Quarrymen, That’ll Be The Day (1981)
Beatles fans will recognize this OG band name for the Brit super group. “That’ll Be The Day,” a Buddy Holly cover, split with “In Spite of All the Danger,” an original, were recorded in 1958. Supposedly, McCartney only had 50 copies printed for his friends and family, and those are allegedly the most expensive records in existence. However, a reprint is worth $3,500.
Andrea Bocelli, Time to Say Goodbye (1994)
“Time to Say Goodbye,” arguably a very sad and very beautiful song, has been used in everything from The Simpson’s to an Arby’s commercial. However, Mr. Bocelli still profited nonetheless because he sold 12 million copies of his original rendition worldwide.
Depeche Mode, Music for the Masses (1987)
It’s more the cover than the content that makes this album extra rare. The OG design was a white graphic speaker overlaid on a bright orange background. That was scrapped, and replaced with a real loudspeaker in the middle of a desert (above). If you have the original copy, you can sell it for $4,600.
Robert Johnson, Me and the Devil Blues (1938)
This record tells the story of a singer waking up to the sound of Satan knocking at his door. It goes for a whopping $12,000!
Carl Douglas, Kung Fu Fighting (1974)
This song was recorded haphazardly in two takes, and was never intended to really be anything great. It was meant to serve as a B-side to Douglas’s single “I Want to Give You My Everything.” However, when companies gave “Kung Fu Fighting” a spin, they knew right away that was the hit.
Elton John, I’ve Been Loving You (1968)
If you have this ultra-rare single, only released in Portugal, will go for around $5,000 if you find the right dealer.
Max Steiner, The Caine Mutiny (1954)
Half soundtrack, half dialogue recording, this record was scrapped when Herman Wouk, writer of the novel on which the film was based, threatened to never allow the studio to use his work again if the album was released. Columbia agreed to halt all production of the record due to “copyright” issues, and those that do exist go for $6,700.
Cherry Five, Cherry Five (1975)
Cherry Five is responsible for the classic Suspiria, Dawn of the Dead, and Deep Red horror film soundtracks. Their first release, a self-titled, is incredibly rare and sells for $3,500.
Stonewall, Stonewall (1976)
This obscure 1970s psych group were actually the product of a tax scam run by the mob, unknown to them at the time. A large portion of records were pressed and later written off as unsold. At the top of the list of records scammed was Stonewalls eponymous. You can sell it today for $14,000.
The Beatles, The White Album, (1968)
The very first pressing of this iconic album, “A0000001” sold for $790,000 at an auction. This album was rumored to have belonged to John Lennon, but it had actually gone to Ring Starr.
Elvis Presley, That’s All Right (1954)
This album was recorded during a studio session for another song. Elvis was taking a break from recording when he started jamming Arthur Crudup’s song “That’s All Right, Mama” with his bassist. This makes up the B-side of Blue Moon of Kentucky, the first rock and roll record ever made. A mint-condition vinyl could sell for $4,000.
The Misfits, Legacy of Brutality (1985)
There were only sixteen copies of the second pressing of this compilation album. Legacy of Brutality was produced, overdubbed, and pressed by Misfits’ singer Glen Danzig after he quit the band so he wouldn’t have to pay royalties to his old band-mates. A second pressing sells for $5,000.
Brute Force, King of Fuh (1969)
Produced by The Beatles’ label, Apple Recordings, this single almost never saw the light of day just because there was an obscenity in the lyrics. Featuring an overdub of philharmonic strings done by George Harrison himself, The Beatles decided to just put it out themselves. Finally given a proper release in 2010, the records from the original slept-on release will get you $5,000.
ABBA, Fernando (1976)
Here they go again! Their first non-album single “Fernando” sold millions of copies worldwide. However, there’s something a little off about the English translation. The original Swedish version tells a tale of heartbreak and sorrow, while the American version weaves a story of the Mexican revolution. Uhhh?
Caustic Window, Caustic Window (2014)
Reclusive and eccentric techno/drum and bass producer Aphex Twin (Caustic Window) recorded the eponymous album but decided to abandon the project after only five pressings. At least one copy made it out into the world, and it sold for $13,500 on Discogs.
The Beatles, Yesterday and Today (1966)
One of their more adventurous album covers, the band is portrayed as butchers with raw mat strewn across their bodies and baby dolls in hand. Needless to say, the cover wasn’t well received. Capitol Records spent $250,000 buying back the 750,000 records that had already been shipped and printed. If you were able to snag a copy, it’ll go for $15,000.
Century Symphony Orchestra, Waltzes by Johann Strauss, Jr (1956)
Record companies would often enlist the help of unknown artists to draw covers for their classical and jazz releases. This piece? Done by Andy Warhol. There are only seven known copies of this cover in existence. One is on display in the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, while another sold for $5,500 in 2012.
Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra, Xanadu (1980)
Lovingly dubbed one of the worst movies ever made, Xanadu‘s promotional picture disc is one of the most sought-after records of all time. Rumor has it, Newton-John hated how she looked on the cover that the record company had to stop the pressing. Between 20-30 survived, and they sell for $9,100.
Roy Acuff, Wabash Cannonball (1938)
There have been numerous renditions of this song, including an iconic Johnny Cash cover, but Acuff’s 1938 version is a true goldmine. He sold 10 million copies! A version of this song has existed since 1882, but there are many different rumors about the song’s actual meaning.
Rokysopp, Melody A.M. (2001)
Norwegian electronic duo Rokysopp’s debut was met with both critical and commercial success. Their song “Remind Me” was used in a Geico commercial, which brought them over to the U.S. The pressing of the record is particularly valuable, and features a stencil rendition painted by Banksy. If you’re a lucky owner, you can pawn that off for $14K.
Tommy Johnson, Alcohol and Jake Blues (1930)
A buyer came across this record by chance, at an unsuspecting estate sale. He threw it up on eBay and watched the bidders go crazy. The final price was locked in at $37,100. It is believed that there are only two copies of this record in existence, both belonging to the winner.
The Rolling Stones, Street Fighting Man (1968)
Made famous by the controversial album cover, Street Fighting Man had to change the photo on the front due to some ongoing political tension right before the album’s release. There are around 18 originals remaining, and they sell for $17,000.
Roger Whittaker, The Last Farewell (1971)
Though it was out for four years before taking off as a hit single, “The Last Farewell” gained radio success when a producer’s wife heard it while traveling and begged him to spin it on-air. He ultimately sold 11 million copies.
Frank Wilson, Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) (1965)
Shortly after recording this record, Frank Wilson decided to do more behind the scenes songwriting work for groups like The Supremes and The Temptations. Only two copies of this specific pressing exist, and one was sold at an auction in 2009 for $34,000.
Kyuy Sakamoto, Sukiyaki (1962)
Sakamoto was only 21 years old when his performance of “Ue O Muite Aruko” took the world by storm. He sold 13 million singles worldwide, and the song came to symbolize Japan’s return to the world stage following the devastation of WWII.
Paul Anka, Diana (1957)
14-year-old Anka wrote “Diana” about an older girl at his church who he had a hopeless crush on. His crush ended up paying off – monetarily. He sold 10 million copies of “Diana.” He also wrote songs for Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly.
Gene Autry, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1949)
Gene Autry coined the most prolific Christmas single of all-time while writing holiday songs was still cool and original. The singing cowboy sold 12.5 million copies of this single and has been covered dozens and dozens of time. If you include the sales of all the covers, then it hikes up to 150 million.
Trio, Da Da Da (1981)
This German single embodies weird minimalism of the New Wave movement, and it was a hit in Europe long before it came to the US. Thanks to a 1997 Volkswagen commercial, Trio sold 13 million copies of the song.
Scorpions, Winds of Change (1990)
This power ballad has long been tied to memories of the end of the Soviet Union. It was inspired by the band’s experience performing at the Moscow Music Peace Festival, a rare hard rock fest in the former USSR. They sold 14 million copies of this track worldwide.
Grease, You’re The One That I Want (1978)
This dynamic duet inspired tweens of the 70’s and beyond to fall in love with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Those chills really do be multiplying. Though the entire Grease soundtrack was arguably full of smash hits, “You’re The One That I Want” was the one listeners….wanted. It sold 15 million copies.
Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive (1978)
In 1978, Gaynor’s career was waning and she was desperate for a hit. In a stroke of luck, “I Will Survive” was presented to her by her producers, and the song resonated with listeners everywhere. She sold 14 million copies.