Record Collecting: Find the Best Value at Estate Sales

Do you often dream about the records you listened to while you were a child? From Elvis Presley to the Beatles among many others, the music likely brings back good memories.

Believe it or not, there are many records worth tens of thousands of dollars (or more). Is it possible that you have one of these in your possession? Have you given any thought to searching for a bargain at a local estate sale?

Here are some of the most valuable records of all time:

5. Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You?” (1965). Are you a big Frank Wilson fan? Even if you are, you may not know the first thing about this seven-inch single since it was never released to the public. However, one of the existing copies of this seven-inch single was sold for approximately $30,000 in 1999.

4. Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” album (1963). There is no denying the fact that Dylan is one of the top musicians of his era. A copy of this album sold for $35,000. It is unique because Dylan included four songs that he later requested to be removed. However, some copies of the original album were released. Those who have an original have quite a bit of money on their hands!

3. Beatles’ “Yesterday and Today” album (1966). It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Beatles made this list. In 1996, a copy of this album sold for $38,800. As you can imagine, it is worth even more money today. The reason for its popularity? The first cover, in which the Beatles posed as butchers, was not well received in the United States. For this reason, it was quickly replaced by Capitol Records.

2. Acetate disk by the Quarrymen (1958). “In Spite of All the Danger” was on one side with “That’ll Be the Day” on the other. Worth an estimated $200,000, this is just about as good as it gets when it comes to valuable records. However, don’t expect it to hit the market anytime soon. It is owned by Paul McCartney, who along with George Harrison and John Lennon, moved on to become famous as the Beatles.

1. John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Double Fantasy” album (1980). Do you have a copy of this album? Well, before you get too excited you should take a deep breath. This album sold for roughly $400,000 in 1999, but only because it was the copy Lennon signed for Mark David Chapman a few hours before the man killed the famous Beatle.

As you learn more about record collecting, you will find that vinyl is making a comeback. While this may not be your thing right now, your tastes could change soon enough. By searching estate sales, you are in position to find the records you most want to add to your collection, as well as many others.

Note: most albums at estate sales cost a dollar or so, however, some of the better ones, such as the Beatles albums produced by the Apple Records label, will set you back $25 or more.

While this list changes from time to time, the five records above go a long way in showing just how valuable these can be. Do you have any valuable records in your collection? Now may be the time to take a closer look at what you have been storing for all these years!

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