GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Expensive Records

Highlights: Most Expensive Records Statistics

  • "Ring of Fire: The Best of June Carter Cash" holds the record for the most expensive vinyl record ever sold at $350,000.
  • A test pressing of The Beatles "White Album" is the second most expensive vinyl ever sold, going for $790,000.
  • The third most expensive vinyl, Elvis Presley's 'My Happiness', sold for $ 300,000.
  • The Quarrymen’s "That’ll Be the Day/In Spite of All the Danger" is the most expensive 7-inch record ever sold, fetching a price of $112,000.
  • A copy of "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)"/"Sweeter as The Days Go By" by Frank Wilson became the most expensive Northern Soul record ever sold at $39,294.
  • Aphex Twin's "Caustic Window" Test Pressing is ranked among the most expensive records ever, with a price tag of approximately $46,300.
  • A rare version of "Music for Supermarkets" by Jean Michel Jarre was one of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold at around $14,000.
  • The Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" 7-inch single sold for approximately $16,000 making it one of the most expensive punk rock records ever.
  • An extremely rare, sealed copy of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" sold for about $3,000.
  • A mono copy of David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" went for $5,000.
  • The Beatles “Yesterday and Today” album, in particular, a rare 1966 'Butcher' cover version was sold for nearly $125,000.
  • The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" (signed by all four Beatles) was sold at auction for $175,000.
  • A rare acetate recording of The Velvet Underground and Nico fetched $25,200 at an auction.
  • "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" by Wu-Tang Clan is the most expensive record ever sold in hip-hop, being purchased for $2,000,000.
  • A signed copy of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" fetched $20,000 at an auction.
  • A factory-sealed copy of Prince’s "Black Album" is valued at around $27,500.
  • Led Zeppelin's "Led Zeppelin" (Turquoise-Lettered cover) was auctioned off for around $5,000.
  • A copy of Nirvana's "Bleach" (original Sub Pop, red and white vinyl) is valued at $2,500.
  • A copy of Oasis' "Cigarettes and Alcohol" (Demo) can be found selling for up to $1,500, making it one of the expensive Britpop records sold.

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In the world of music, records hold a special place for collectors, audiophiles, and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s the nostalgia of a bygone era or the hunt for rare gems, records have become more than just a means to play music – they have become prized possessions. And within this realm, some records have attained legendary status for their astronomical price tags. In this blog post, we will explore the world of the most expensive records, delving into the fascinating statistics behind these coveted musical artifacts. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on this journey as we uncover the jaw-dropping prices and intriguing insights into the world of rare records.

The Latest Most Expensive Records Statistics Explained

“Ring of Fire: The Best of June Carter Cash” holds the record for the most expensive vinyl record ever sold at $350,000.

The statistic states that “Ring of Fire: The Best of June Carter Cash” is the most expensive vinyl record ever sold, with a price tag of $350,000. This implies that among all vinyl records ever sold, this particular album commanded the highest price. The significance lies in the rarity and desirability of this specific record, likely due to factors such as its historical value, the popularity of June Carter Cash, and the limited number of copies in circulation. The record’s high price highlights its perceived worth within the collector market and underscores the demand for unique and valuable music artifacts.

A test pressing of The Beatles “White Album” is the second most expensive vinyl ever sold, going for $790,000.

The statistic states that a test pressing of The Beatles’ album “White Album” holds the second-highest record price in the market of vinyl records, reaching a selling price of $790,000. A test pressing refers to a small number of copies of an album that were produced as prototypes or samples before the final commercial release. This particular test pressing, belonging to The Beatles, has gained immense value due to its rarity and historical significance. The high price tag indicates the strong demand and admiration among collectors and music enthusiasts for this iconic album and the legendary band behind it.

The third most expensive vinyl, Elvis Presley’s ‘My Happiness’, sold for $ 300,000.

The statistic states that the vinyl record “My Happiness” by Elvis Presley is ranked as the third most expensive vinyl record and has been sold for a substantial amount of $300,000. This suggests that there are two other vinyl records that have been sold for an even higher price. As vinyl records hold historical and sentimental value to collectors, the high price tag on this particular record implies that it is in high demand and is considered a rare and valuable item within the collector’s market. The record’s value may be attributed to its significance as a piece of music history, specifically due to its association with the iconic musician Elvis Presley.

The Quarrymen’s “That’ll Be the Day/In Spite of All the Danger” is the most expensive 7-inch record ever sold, fetching a price of $112,000.

The statistic states that The Quarrymen’s 7-inch record “That’ll Be the Day/In Spite of All the Danger” has been sold for an astonishing price of $112,000, making it the most expensive 7-inch record ever sold. This means that a collector or buyer was willing to pay a substantial amount of money to own this particular record by The Quarrymen, a band that eventually evolved into The Beatles. The record’s significant value can be attributed to its rarity, historical significance, and the demand among passionate collectors and fans.

A copy of “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”/”Sweeter as The Days Go By” by Frank Wilson became the most expensive Northern Soul record ever sold at $39,294.

The statistic refers to the record sale price of a specific vinyl single titled “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”/”Sweeter as The Days Go By” performed by Frank Wilson. This particular record holds the distinction of being the most expensive Northern Soul record ever sold, as it fetched a remarkable price of $39,294. This signifies the high value placed on this specific collectible within the Northern Soul music genre, where it is highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.

Aphex Twin’s “Caustic Window” Test Pressing is ranked among the most expensive records ever, with a price tag of approximately $46,300.

The statistic states that Aphex Twin’s “Caustic Window” Test Pressing is considered one of the most expensive records ever sold, priced at around $46,300. This figure represents the value attributed to this particular vinyl record based on factors such as its rarity, historical significance, and the demand from collectors. The high price tag suggests that there is a strong market demand for this record, likely fueled by its association with the influential electronic musician Aphex Twin and the limited number of test pressings available. This statistic highlights the market value and uniqueness of this record within the context of the wider music industry.

A rare version of “Music for Supermarkets” by Jean Michel Jarre was one of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold at around $14,000.

The statistic refers to a particular edition of the album “Music for Supermarkets” by Jean Michel Jarre, which is considered rare. This specific version of the album has been sold for a significantly high price, estimated to be around $14,000. This sales figure indicates that it is one of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold. The rarity and perceived value of this particular edition have contributed to its high price in the collector’s market.

The Sex Pistols’ “God Save The Queen” 7-inch single sold for approximately $16,000 making it one of the most expensive punk rock records ever.

The statistic mentioned highlights the significant value of the punk rock band, The Sex Pistols’ 7-inch single titled “God Save The Queen,” which was sold for around $16,000. This price tag solidifies its position as one of the most expensive records in the punk rock genre. This statistic encompasses the high demand and rarity associated with the single, as collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for such a sought-after piece of music history. The record’s historical significance, rebellious nature, and limited availability contribute to its high market value, reflecting the enduring impact of The Sex Pistols and their iconic contribution to punk rock culture.

An extremely rare, sealed copy of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” sold for about $3,000.

This statistic indicates that there was a sealed copy of Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall” that was sold for approximately $3,000. What makes this particular copy significant is that it is described as “extremely rare.” This implies that there are few, if any, other sealed copies of this album in existence, thereby increasing its value and desirability among collectors and fans of Pink Floyd. The fact that it is sealed suggests that it has retained its original condition over time, further enhancing its rarity. The price of $3,000 reflects the market demand for this unique item and highlights the premium collectors are willing to pay for such a sought-after piece of music history.

A mono copy of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” went for $5,000.

The statistic states that a single copy of David Bowie’s album “Ziggy Stardust” was sold for a price of $5,000. This suggests that this particular copy of the album holds significant value, most likely due to its rarity or collectability. The high price indicates that there is a demand for such limited editions or unique items among avid fans and collectors of David Bowie’s music.

The Beatles “Yesterday and Today” album, in particular, a rare 1966 ‘Butcher’ cover version was sold for nearly $125,000.

The statistic states that a rare version of The Beatles’ album ‘Yesterday and Today,’ specifically the 1966 ‘Butcher’ cover version, was recently sold for nearly $125,000. This particular edition of the album is considered rare because of its controversial cover art, which initially featured the band members surrounded by decapitated baby dolls and pieces of raw meat. Due to the controversy, the cover was quickly withdrawn and replaced with a more conventional image. The high price paid for this album highlights the growing demand for rare and collectible music memorabilia, especially from iconic artists like The Beatles.

The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (signed by all four Beatles) was sold at auction for $175,000.

The given statistic indicates that the iconic album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles, which was autographed by all four members of the band, was sold at an auction for a significant amount of $175,000. This implies that the rarity and historical value attached to this particular copy of the album commanded a high price in the market, likely driven by the desirability of owning a piece of music history that embodies the cultural significance of The Beatles. The transaction underscores the enduring popularity and collector’s appeal of memorabilia associated with influential artists, providing insights into the value and market dynamics surrounding iconic music artifacts.

A rare acetate recording of The Velvet Underground and Nico fetched $25,200 at an auction.

The statistic states that an uncommon acetate recording of the musical group The Velvet Underground and vocalist Nico was sold for a significant amount of money, specifically $25,200, at an auction. An acetate recording refers to a type of record made during the production process for testing or evaluation purposes, making it a rare collectible item. The mention of The Velvet Underground and Nico indicates the value of this particular recording, as they are a highly influential and acclaimed band in the realm of rock music. The high price fetched at the auction showcases the demand and interest among collectors and fans for such unique and historically significant musical artifacts.

“Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” by Wu-Tang Clan is the most expensive record ever sold in hip-hop, being purchased for $2,000,000.

The statistic states that “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” by Wu-Tang Clan holds the record for being the most expensive record ever sold in the hip-hop genre. This particular record was purchased for a staggering $2,000,000. This statistic highlights the uniqueness and rarity of the album, as well as the immense value placed on it by collectors or fans. The incredible price point symbolizes the high demand and exclusivity associated with this specific musical work, making it a significant milestone in the history of hip-hop music.

A signed copy of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” fetched $20,000 at an auction.

The statistic states that a signed copy of Bob Dylan’s famous song “Blowin’ in the Wind” was sold at an auction for $20,000. This implies that the item being auctioned was a physical copy of the song, possibly a vinyl record or a sheet music, personally autographed by Bob Dylan. The fact that it fetched such a high price indicates the high demand for Dylan’s memorabilia among collectors and fans. This statistic captures the monetary value attached to rare and signed music artifacts, highlighting the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Bob Dylan as an iconic figure in music history.

A factory-sealed copy of Prince’s “Black Album” is valued at around $27,500.

The statistic states that a factory-sealed copy of Prince’s album titled “Black Album” has an approximate value of $27,500. This indicates that the album is highly sought after and rare, as the value is significantly higher than its original retail price. The fact that the copy is still sealed in its original packaging adds to its desirability and potentially increases its value as a collector’s item. The high price reflects the uniqueness and demand for this particular album, likely influenced by Prince’s iconic status as a musician and the exclusivity of owning a pristine, unopened copy of his work.

Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin” (Turquoise-Lettered cover) was auctioned off for around $5,000.

The statistic refers to the sale of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled album, which featured a cover with turquoise lettering. The album was sold at an auction, and the approximate price it fetched was $5,000. This information indicates the market value placed on this particular edition of the album by collectors and fans of the band.

A copy of Nirvana’s “Bleach” (original Sub Pop, red and white vinyl) is valued at $2,500.

This statistic states that an original copy of the album “Bleach” by the band Nirvana, specifically the version released by Sub Pop Records on red and white vinyl, is worth $2,500. This value indicates the estimated market price that collectors are willing to pay for this particular edition of the album. This statistic reveals the high demand and rarity of this specific release, possibly due to its historical significance or limited availability, which has contributed to its elevated value in the market.

A copy of Oasis’ “Cigarettes and Alcohol” (Demo) can be found selling for up to $1,500, making it one of the expensive Britpop records sold.

The statistic states that a particular version of Oasis’ song “Cigarettes and Alcohol” known as the demo version is being sold at prices as high as $1,500. This high price makes it one of the more expensive records associated with the Britpop genre. This information highlights the rarity and value that collectors and music enthusiasts place on this particular version of the song, distinguishing it as a sought-after and valuable item within the Britpop record market.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have delved into the intriguing world of the most expensive records and explored some fascinating statistics surrounding them. From the mind-boggling prices these records have fetched at auctions to the genres and artists that dominate the list, it is clear that the world of vinyl records holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and music lovers alike.

We have seen that rock music, particularly albums from iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, often reigns supreme in terms of value. However, outliers such as rare jazz and blues records have also proven to be highly sought after and incredibly valuable.

Furthermore, we have observed that the condition of a record plays a pivotal role in determining its price, with pristine and unplayed copies commanding top dollar. The scarcity, historical significance, and desirability of certain records are also crucial factors that contribute to their astronomical prices.

It is important to note that while these records may be considered valuable from a financial perspective, their true worth lies in their cultural impact and the joy they bring to those who listen to them. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply a music enthusiast, the allure of these rare and expensive records is undeniable.

So, if you happen to stumble upon an old record in your attic or while flipping through the racks at a flea market, it may be worth taking a closer look. Who knows? You might just find a hidden gem that holds more value than you could ever imagine.

In conclusion, the realm of expensive records is a captivating and ever-evolving field. The statistics we have explored here provide a glimpse into the high-stakes world of record collecting and highlight the enduring value and allure of vinyl. Keep your eyes and ears open because, in this realm, the next record jackpot could be just a needle drop away.

References

0. – https://www.www.mentalfloss.com

1. – https://www.consequence.net

2. – https://www.www.billboard.com

3. – https://www.djmag.com

4. – https://www.daily.redbullmusicacademy.com

5. – https://www.www.catawiki.com

6. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

7. – https://www.www.bbc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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