For many people, vinyl may seem like an outdated blast from the past.
But the old-fashioned listening format is in the midst of a revival – with 6.7 million discs sold in the UK last year, generating a staggering £196 million in revenue.
Artists including Taylor Swift, Adele and Billie Eilish have all jumped on the trend, releasing multiple, expensive physical formats of the same albums.
However, if you really want to make a profit, you should look for old classics.
Experts from A2D2 have revealed the 10 most expensive vinyl records in the UK – with prices of some reaching into the thousands.
“These old vinyl records may be hidden in record collections passed down through generations, or they may be sitting and waiting in your local charity shop,” she added.
“These hidden gems are waiting to be rediscovered and, depending on their condition, may be worth a significant sum of money.”
So, do you have any of these classic dust buildups in your attic?
In news that will come as no surprise to anyone, The Beatles topped the charts with their album “The White Album.”
Complex’s self-titled progressive rock psychedelic album, Complex, is the epitome of rarity
1. The Beatles – The White Album (up to £10,000)
In news that will come as no surprise to anyone, The Beatles topped the charts with “The White Album.”
Released on 22 November 1968, this was the English band’s ninth studio album, and features a plain white cover.
‘The peak of vinyl collecting was the so-called Beatles’ White AlbumA special place, A2D2 said.
“Originals, especially those with low serial numbers and the original Apple logo, can be worth a fortune.
“The gate cover and original case make it the crown jewel in any collection, potentially worth up to £10,000.”
2. Pool – Pool (up to £10,000)
Complex’s self-titled psychedelic progressive rock album, Complex, is the epitome of rarity.
In fact, only 99 copies were printed after its release in 1971.
Dark’s 1972 album, Dark Round the Edges, is considered somewhat of a “holy grail” among record collectors.
With its turquoise print and unique “Superhype” credit, Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut album, released in 1969, is one of the most valuable vinyl records in the world.
“An original was acquired from the Mint for just £1 and later sold for a whopping £10,000, demonstrating the unpredictability and excitement of collecting vinyl,” 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.
“With only 40 copies pressed, owning a good copy of this album could boost the value of your collection by up to £8,350,” A2D2 said.
4. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (up to £7,100)
With a turquoise print and a 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, one of these copies sold for £7,100, symbolizing the band’s timeless appeal and enduring love of physical recordings,” A2D2 said.
5. Glimpse – Glimpse (up to £6,400)
Fewer than five copies of the A Fleeting Glance album are known to exist – which only adds to its value
Another Beatles masterpiece is “Please Please Me” – the band’s debut album, released in 1963
Fewer than five copies of the A Fleeting Glance album are known to exist – which only adds to its value.
A2D2 said: “The latest sale was approximately £6,400, reflecting the album’s near-legendary status.”
6. The Beatles – Please Please Me (up to £6,000)
Another Beatles masterpiece is “Please Please Me” – the band’s debut album, released in 1963.
“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. The Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen (up to £6,000)
“God Save the Queen” was released by the Sex Pistols in 1977, and became infamous for its political controversy.
God Save the Queen was released by the Sex Pistols in 1977, and became infamous for its political controversy.
Only 1,000 copies of Joy Division’s first EP titled “An Ideal For Living” were pressed after its release in 1978.
“The first pressing of the A&M label, which was quickly withdrawn, could fetch a price of up to £6,000,” A2D2 said.
8. Joy Division – A Perfect Living Space (up to £4,700)
Only 1,000 copies of Joy Division’s first EP titled “An Ideal For Living” were pressed after its release in 1978.
And if you’re one of the lucky owners, you could get a big return – if you’re willing to sell it.
Experts said: “Mint copies can sell for up to £4,700, making them a valuable find for punk fans.”
9. Johann Strauss II – Waltz by Johann Strauss Jr (up to £4,400)
A2D2 describes this rare recording as a “classical music collector’s dream.”
“This rare recording of a 1956 waltz features an Andy Warhol cover, performed by the Century Symphony Orchestra, and is a classical music collector’s dream,” she added.
A2D2 describes Johann Strauss II – Waltz by Johann Strauss Jr. as “a classical music collector’s dream”.
If you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s book ‘Growers of Mushroom’ collecting dust in your attic, you could sell it for more than £4,000
“In good condition, worth up to £4,400.”
10. Leaf Hound – mushroom growers (up to £4,100)
Finally, if you have a copy of Leaf Hound’s book ‘Growers of Mushroom’ collecting dust in your attic, you could sell it for more than £4,000.
“Hailed as the most collectible rock album by Q Magazine, Leaf Hound’s ‘Growers of Mushroom’ is a psychedelic progressive rock album that is as rare as they come,” said A2D2.
“Copies in good condition have been known to sell for up to £4,100.”