Is Your Vinyl Really Worth Thousands? Understanding Record Value

Recently, I saw a Facebook post with some records priced really high, simply because they were old and/or by famous artists (I have to assume). But here’s the twist: when I checked online (Discogs.com is my first stop when looking into used album pricing and comparison grading), many of these albums were available for a dollar or less at reputable resellers. It’s a common example of misjudging vinyl value, and while we’re not shaming the seller, it’s an opportunity to chat a bit about what buyers and sellers can do to understand their collection a bit better.

In the vinyl world, value is more complex than age or fame. For instance, you might see an Elvis Presley album from the 60s priced like a rare gem, yet online, it’s available for pennies. Why? It’s about supply. These were massively produced, making them common finds.

Then there’s the opposite scenario. Take a lesser-known artist’s limited press record from the 70s. It might not have mainstream fame, but its scarcity can drive up its value significantly among collectors. A perfect example is Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”. “Pink Moon” is especially high in value due to its rarity and the cult following that Drake’s music has developed over the years. Original pressings can fetch high prices, not only because of the limited number produced but also due to the unique quality and emotional depth of the music itself. (Discogs currently has an original VG release starting just under $500!)

Understanding the different motivations of buyers and sellers is key. Not everyone will cherish a record for its tunes; some see it as an investment. And that’s okay. What’s important is recognizing these diverse perspectives in the vinyl community.

Do you keep tabs on the value of every release in your collection? Or maybe you don’t care, you just know where your favorite album awaits another spin. Depending on the release, I fall into both of these camps often.