The 14 Most Expensive Records Ever Auctioned—Check Your Collection

1. Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen”

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Sold for: $14,000

A true punk anthem, this record was highly controversial and thus, very collectible. Original pressings in mint condition are rare. Check your collection for a copy—you never know what you might find!

2. The Rolling Stones – “Their Satanic Majesties Request”

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Sold for: $25,000

With its psychedelic cover and complex sound, this album is a fascinating piece of the Rolling Stones’ discography. A rare pressing in mint condition is what collectors are after. Check your shelves; you might find this hidden gem!

3. The Beatles – “Yesterday and Today”

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Sold for: $125,000

Known as the “butcher cover,” this controversial album was originally released with a cover featuring the Beatles posing with butchered baby dolls. The cover was quickly pulled, making it a rare find. If you stumble upon a copy of this with the original cover, you might just have an unexpected windfall.

4. Bob Dylan – “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”

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Sold for: $196,000

This album’s original release featured four songs that were later replaced. The unique pressing is a collector’s dream, representing Dylan’s early work as a folk icon. If you’ve got an early pressing of this record, take a closer look; it could be worth more than you think!

5. Prince – “The Black Album”

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Sold for: $27,500

Originally intended for release in 1987, this album was pulled from shelves at the last minute. The scarcity of the record has turned it into a highly sought-after item among fans and collectors. If you have an original copy, you could be sitting on a goldmine!

6. Elvis Presley – “My Happiness”

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Sold for: $300,000

Elvis’s first-ever recording, made on a homemade acetate disc, is a piece of music history. The intimate nature of this record, capturing the King of Rock and Roll in his youth, makes it a treasure. If you find a vintage Elvis acetate in your collection, hang onto it—it could be your ticket to a small fortune!

7. The Beach Boys – “Pet Sounds”

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Sold for: $18,000

Often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, “Pet Sounds” is a masterpiece of production. An original pressing with the correct cover can fetch a high price. If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage copy, it might be worth a closer look!

8. Michael Jackson – “Thriller”

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Sold for: $24,000

As the best-selling album of all time, “Thriller” is iconic in every sense. Special edition vinyls or rare pressings can draw high bids at auction. If you have a special version, don’t underestimate its potential value!

9. The Velvet Underground & Nico – “The Velvet Underground & Nico”

Flickr

Sold for: $25,000

The banana cover by Andy Warhol makes this album a piece of art and music history. First pressings are particularly valuable, especially if they include the original peelable banana. If you’ve got this in your collection, give it a thorough inspection!

10. Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours”

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Sold for: $5,000

“Rumours” is a classic album that has sold millions of copies. A special limited edition or signed copy can fetch a much higher price. If you’re a fan, you might want to see if you’ve got something that collectors are looking for!

11. David Bowie – “The Man Who Sold the World”

Wikimedia Commons

Sold for: $3,500

Bowie’s early work is highly collectible, especially with unique covers. The original pressing with the controversial cover is particularly sought after. If you own a copy, you might be surprised at its value!

12. The Beatles – “The Beatles” (White Album)

Flickr

Sold for: $790,000

This iconic album, often referred to as the White Album, is famous for its minimalist cover and eclectic mix of songs. The hefty price tag came from a unique copy with the serial number “0000001,” which was once owned by Ringo Starr. It’s a must-have for any serious Beatles collector, and if you’ve got a copy with a low number, you might want to check if it’s worth something!

13. The Clash – “London Calling”

Flickr

Sold for: $7,000

This influential punk album is beloved by many. An original pressing with the unique cover art is what collectors seek. If you have it, you could have a valuable piece of music history!

14. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”

Flickr

Sold for: $2,500

The original pressings of this groundbreaking album are popular among collectors. If you own this album, especially in good condition, you may have a small fortune waiting for you!

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