6 Vinyl Records From the '60s and '70s That Are Worth a Small Fortune

Whether you spent your younger years idly collecting records or you've recently started combing thrift stores for retro albums, you might be wondering if any pieces of your collection could help you make money from home. The answer is a definite maybe, and the amount of money you could earn varies based on how rare your pressing is, what condition it's in, and how many other copies are up for grabs right now on Discogs and eBay.

Below, we walk you through some of the most valuable vinyl records from the 1960s through the 1970s, including what they sold for at auction. We'll also tell you how to spot these records in your own collection so you can separate the valuable first pressings from dime-a-dozen reissues.

David Bowie, 'David Bowie' (1969)

Estimated market value: Up to $3,946.65

Although copies of Bowie's self-titled 1967 record are valuable in their own right, original pressings of the 1969 original release of the album usually known as Space Oddity have sold for thousands. The first UK edition of Bowie's second album fails to list track A2.2, a 39-second addendum to A2.1's "Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed," on either the sleeve or center label. You can further identify a first pressing by the record's black labels, silver font, and label line reading PHILIPS (the company that pressed the record).

Queen, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (1978)

Estimated market value: Up to $7,600

EMI Records' unique, blue-vinyl pressing of "Bohemian Rhapsody" came in a striking magenta sleeve with gold print. This version of the single was a special promo edition sent to certain radio DJs and important members of the music industry, so copies are few and far between.

A copy of the record in perfect condition along with memorabilia from the promo's release — including a menu, program, and scarf from the celebratory luncheon where the record was launched — sold for £4,000 in 2015. Adjusted for inflation, that's £5,776.48 in today's pounds, or $7,686.47 in U.S. dollars.

The Rolling Stones, 'Street Fighting Man' (original album cover, 1968)

Estimated market value: Up to $17,100

The original album cover for the Stones' Street Fighting Man depicted an image of police brutality during a demonstration. (The cops are armed and looking at a man on the ground, while protestors raise political protest signs in the background.) The record company quickly pulled the original cover, perhaps in part because the release coincided with riots that broke out in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention that summer. One rare remaining copy of the record sold for $17,100 at auction in 2015.

Other early pressings of the single without the distinctive, controversial cover art can sell for up to $100 on Discogs depending on condition.

Fleetwood Mac, 'Rumours' (test pressing, 1979)

Estimated market value: Up to $399.99

The test pressing for Fleetwood Mac's most iconic album was printed prior to the album's wide release to make sure the sound quality was up to snuff. The two-sided album comes on one plain black disc, and copies have sold on Discogs for as high as $399.99. (Only one copy is up for sale on the site right now, and it's listed at an optimistic $429.)

Led Zeppelin, 'Led Zeppelin' (turquoise lettering, 1969)

Estimated market value: Up to $4,494.37

One of the first pressings of Led Zeppelin's self-titled album was sold with a sleeve that had the name of the album and band in striking turquoise lettering on the upper left-hand corner. This first printing also incorrectly shows track B5, "How Many More Times," as running just 3 minutes and 30 seconds rather than the accurate 8 minutes and 28 seconds.

The most this album ever sold for on Discogs was just shy of $4,500. Your copy might not net you that much money, but Discogs reports a median price of $1,729, so anyone who finds this gem should look forward to a solid return.

The Rolling Stones, 'Sticky Fingers' (working zipper, 1971)

Estimated market value: Up to $361.10

First pressings of the Stones' album (with Andy Warhol's famous, provocative zipper photo on the cover) had a working zipper and die-cut buckle. Buyers could unzip the front of the album to see Warhol's underwear photograph and signature. After so many decades, there aren't many remaining copies of albums with functioning zippers, but some are listed on Discogs for as much as $360 apiece,

Bottom line

In the end, the likelihood that you own an old vinyl record that's worth exponentially more than you paid for it is pretty slim. Still, just because you probably won't sell a record for $1,000 or more doesn't mean your old collection can't help you get ahead financially.

To get a realistic sense of what you could earn, check completed sales on Discogs and eBay. If you have a large collection, you might get more bang for your buck selling the entire thing to an antique store or individual collector rather than selling records one by one. Don't be afraid to get multiple quotes and sell to the highest bidder — it might take a little extra legwork, but the additional cash is likely worth the time and energy.

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