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Vinyl Records

Although music is well into the digital age, vinyl still holds a special place for music enthusiasts worldwide. Unlike electronic music formats, vinyl is more of a physical experience involving a turntable, a record, and an artistic cover jacket. A signed cover can affect the worth of the vinyl itself, depending on a number of factors; each consideration is somewhat subjective, depending on the collector and the market.

Before the 1940s, vinyl records were made of shellac and slate material, and the format was typically 78 RPMs. In 1948, Columbia Records introduced a 33 1/3 RPM record made of polystyrene material, and shortly thereafter, RCA Victor developed a 45 RPM version. Vinyl is available in three sizes: 7, 10 and 12 inches. Content variations include LP (long play), SP (single play), and EP (extended play).

Overall, the 1950s and 1960s are considered important time periods for serious vinyl collectors, as these decades produced many valuable albums. Early production runs—or pressings—are most desirable, and promotional copies are often rare.

Quick Facts

  • A pressing is a run, or manufacture, of a vinyl record. Early pressings are always more valuable than later ones. One tip is to check for barcodes on album, since no barcodes were printed on albums from the early 1970s and prior
  • The Sex Pistols’ 7-inch promotional single “God Save the Queen” is considered a very rare and valuable record. Only two copies are known to exist
  • The 1958 original record, "That'll Be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger" by The Quarrymen, is said to be worth over $150,000

View vinyl records sold at auction from the Invaluable price archive.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Van Halen: Fair Warning (1981), original inner sleeve has minor tears
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
Van Halen: Fair Warning (1981), original inner sleeve has minor tears
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$158 Bids
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2012 Grimes Visions United Kingdom/Europe Released Vinyl Album - CAD3208
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
2012 Grimes Visions United Kingdom/Europe Released Vinyl Album - CAD3208
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$74 Bids
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Guns N' Roses: Appetite for Destruction (1987)
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
Guns N' Roses: Appetite for Destruction (1987)
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$114 Bids
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SEALED - Hollywood Undead: New Empire Vol. 2 (2020), transparent red w/yellow splatter vinyl
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
SEALED - Hollywood Undead: New Empire Vol. 2 (2020), transparent red w/yellow splatter vinyl
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$53 Bids
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COLLECTION OF VINTAGE LP'S INC. MIDNIGHT OIL, AUSSIE CRAWL AND WAR OF THE WORLDS
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
COLLECTION OF VINTAGE LP'S INC. MIDNIGHT OIL, AUSSIE CRAWL AND WAR OF THE WORLDS
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD253 Bids
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George Strait: Merry Christmas Strait to You (1986)
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
George Strait: Merry Christmas Strait to You (1986)
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$12 Bids
A box of approximately fifty 7”singles, mostly 1970s and 1980s
Feb 20, 7:00 PM AEDT
A box of approximately fifty 7”singles, mostly 1970s and 1980s
by Bargain Hunt Auctions
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD252 Bids
A shelf lot of compact discs, various artists
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
A shelf lot of compact discs, various artists
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD202 Bids
Opportunity box of 7” 45 RPM vinyl records
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Opportunity box of 7” 45 RPM vinyl records
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$202 Bids
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CD and Cassette Tape Collection
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
CD and Cassette Tape Collection
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $100- $200
$401 Bid
14 7” 45 rpm records with sleeves from the 80s
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
14 7” 45 rpm records with sleeves from the 80s
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
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1982 Duran Duran Rio Canada Released Vinyl Album - St-12211
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
1982 Duran Duran Rio Canada Released Vinyl Album - St-12211
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$11 Bid
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Rush: Mission (1989), 12-inch single, 33 1/3 rpm, promo, Canada pressing, hard to find
Feb 24, 7:00 PM EST
Rush: Mission (1989), 12-inch single, 33 1/3 rpm, promo, Canada pressing, hard to find
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$11 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Vinyl Records


Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer

Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer

Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.

Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.

Bargain Hunt Auctions

Bargain Hunt Auctions