Vinyl is experiencing a resurgence amid exclusive artist tracks and the Oasis reunion, providing a boost for record collectors.
While most of us may make money from the stocks market, collectable investments can also be lucrative.
Old Barbie dolls, VHS tapes or first-edition books could be worth thousands. And Vinyls in particular, could fetch you as much as £10,000.
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Exclusive vinyl songs and artwork are proving popular among Taylor Swift and Beyonce fans, raising a new generation of record collectors.
There is also a resurgence among Oasis fans amid the reunion tour next year.
Wessex Auction Rooms said it has seen an increase in demand for 1990s records.
A copy of the second album released by Oasis (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? signed by Noel Gallagher and drummer Alan White sold for an impressive £413 during an auction it held in September.
Meanwhile, an original first pressing of Oasis' debut album Definitely Maybe sold for £200 despite still having the £10.99 price label displayed.
Artist instruments are also attracting collector attention. A Silver Sparkle Gibson Les Paul Florentine guitar used by Noel Gallagher on the 1997 Be Here Now album sold for £226,000 at auction house Propstore in November 2024.
It comes as streaming platforms such as Spotify or Amazon Music have overtaken traditional ways of listening to music but vinyl is experiencing a resurgence.
If you have managed to hold on to your record collection from when you were younger or could never really let it go, you could be sitting on vinyl worth up to £10,000.
Analysis by Music Week found that vinyl sales rose 12.4% annually during the first half of the year.
That is a record 2.7 million units sold.
Research by music technology firm A2D2 has found some records could be worth up to £10,000.
What makes vinyl valuable?
As with any collectables, rarity is a key factor.
The more unique something is, the more it could be worth.
That also feeds into another factor, demand. The more rare something is, the more demand there is likely to be, especially if there is a unique feature, which pushes up the price.
Condition is also important, with the most pristine versions commanding the biggest sums. That may unfortunately mean you tatty covers or well-played scratched discs could struggle to attract buyers.
It also means that if you buy a copy, you may not want to play it too much to preserve its value.
Here are some of the UK’s most valuable records that could be gathering dust in your home or be waiting to be discovered in a charity shop.
The Beatles – The White Album
Original copies of this seminal album by the fab four have traditionally fetched up to £10,000, especially those in top condition with low serial numbers and the original Apple logo.
However, a copy once owned by the late John Lennon sold at auction for £128,000 in February.
Complex - Complex
Complex's self-titled psychedelic progressive rock album can also go for up to £10,000.
Much of its value is due to its rarity.
It was limited to just 99 pressings. A pristine mint copy was once picked up for a mere £1 and later sold for £10,000, according to A2D2.
Dark - Round The Edges
With only 40 copies ever pressed, A2D2 says owning a mint condition copy of this album could enhance your collection's value by up to £8,350
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
The first pressing of Led Zeppelin's debut album, with its turquoise typography and a unique 'Superhype' credit, is a collector's dream.
One version sold for £7,100 in 2013.
A Fleeting Glance - A Fleeting Glance
Yet another progressive rock album, with fewer than five copies known to exist, according to A2D2.
The last sale almost hit £6,400.
The Beatles - Please Please Me
Another valuable gem from The Beatles, the early UK Parlophone pressings of 'Please Please Me' with the black and gold label are highly sought after and sell for around £6,000.
Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
A first pressing of this infamous record on the A&M label, which was quickly withdrawn, can also command a price of up to £6,000.
Joy Division - An Ideal For Living
Mint copies can sell for as much as £4,700.
With only 1,000 copies pressed, Joy Division's first EP is a collector's item among punk fans.
Johann Strauss II – Waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr
This is one for classical music collectors.
This rare 1956 Century Symphony Orchestra recording features Andy Warhol cover art,
In mint condition, it is valued at up to £4,400.
Leaf Hound – Growers of Mushroom
This album is described as the number one most collectable rock record by Q Magazine.
Mint condition copies are known to sell for up to £4,100.
“These records are more than just music,” says A2D2.
“They are pieces of history that speak of the culture of their time.
“For those who have kept their collections in mint condition, the rewards can be substantial. So, dust off those cases, and you might just uncover a hidden gem that's music to your ears and your wallet.
“Remember, the value of vinyl varies with condition and rarity, so handle with care and happy hunting.”
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