To many people, vinyl may seem like an old-fashioned blast from the past.
But the retro listening format is in the midst of a revival – with a whopping 6.7 million discs sold in Britain last year, grossing an impressive £196 million.
Artists like Taylor Swift, Adele and Billie Eilish have all jumped on the trend and released multiple, expensive physical variants of the same albums.
However, if you really want to make a profit, you should pay attention to the old classics.
Experts at A2D2 have revealed Britain’s 10 most valuable vinyl records – with some impressive prices well into the thousands.
“Those old vinyl records could be hidden in record collections passed down from generation to generation, or they could be waiting in the local charity shop,” it said.
‘These hidden gems are waiting to be rediscovered and, depending on their condition, could well be worth a serious sum of money.’
So, do you have any of these classic things collecting dust in your attic?
In news that won’t come as a surprise to anyone, 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 won’t come as a surprise to anyone, The Beatles top the list with their ‘The White Album’.
Released on November 22, 1968, this was the English band’s ninth studio album, with a plain white cover.
‘The pinnacle of vinyl collecting, The Beatles’ so-called White Album, remainsa special place,” said A2D2.
‘Original examples, especially those with low serial numbers and the original Apple logo, can be worth a fortune.
‘The gatefold sleeve and immaculate condition make it the crown jewel in any collection, with a potential fetch of 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, only 99 copies were pressed after its 1971 release.
Dark’s 1972 album, Dark Round the Edges, is considered somewhat of a “holy grail” among 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 vinyl records in the world.
“A pristine new example was picked up for just £1 and later sold for a whopping £10,000, demonstrating the unpredictability and excitement of vinyl collecting,” A2D2 said.
3. Dark – Dark around the edges (up to £8,350)
Dark’s 1972 album, Dark Round the Edges, is considered somewhat of a “holy grail” among record collectors.
“As only 40 copies were ever pressed, owning a gatefold copy of this album in mint condition could increase the value of your collection 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 vinyl records in the world.
“In 2013, such a pressing cost £7,100, symbolizing the band’s timeless appeal and enduring love for physical records,” A2D2 said.
5. A Glance – A Glance (Up to £6,400)
Fewer than five copies of A Fleeting Glance’s album are known to exist – which only adds to its value
Yet another Beatles masterpiece is Please Please Me, the band’s debut album, released in 1963
Fewer than five copies of A Fleeting Glance’s album are known to exist – which only adds to its value.
A2D2 said: ‘Final sales were almost £6,400, reflecting the album’s almost mythical status.’
6. The Beatles – Please Please Me (up to £6,000)
Yet another Beatles masterpiece is Please Please Me, the band’s debut album, released in 1963.
“The early British 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 in 1977 by the Sex Pistols and has become infamous for its political controversy.
Released in 1977 by the Sex Pistols, God Save the Queen has become infamous for its political controversy
Only 1,000 copies of Joy Division’s first EP, ‘An Ideal For Living’, were pressed after its release in 1978
“A first printing on the A&M label, which was quickly withdrawn, could fetch a price of up to £6,000,” A2D2 said.
8. Joy Division – An ideal to live in (up to £4,700)
Joy Division’s first EP, ‘An Ideal For Living’, was limited to 1,000 copies after its release in 1978.
And if you’re one of the lucky owners, you could be looking at a big return if you’re willing to sell it.
‘Unused copies can sell for as much as £4,700, making it a valuable find for punk enthusiasts,’ say the experts.
9. Johann Strauss II – Waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr. (up to £4,400)
A2D2 describes this rare recording as a ‘classical music collector’s dream’.
“This rare 1956 recording of waltzes performed by the Century Symphony Orchestra, featuring the cover art of Andy Warhol, is a classical music collector’s dream,” it reads.
A2D2 describes Johann Strauss II – Waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr. as a ‘classical music collector’s dream’
If you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ in the attic collecting dust, you could sell it for more than £4,000.
‘In new condition, has a value of up to £4,400.’
10. Leaf Hound – Mushroom Growers (up to £4,100)
Finally, if you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ in the attic collecting dust, you can sell it for over £4,000.
Hailed by Q Magazine as the number one most collectible rock record, Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ is a psychedelic progressive rock album that is as rare as it gets,” A2D2 said.
‘Mint condition examples have been known to sell for up to £4,100.’