10 Vinyl Records From the ‘70s That Are Worth a Small Fortune

Even as the popularity of physical media has dwindled, vinyl records continue to be in demand among music lovers and collectors, and with that demand comes value. Even records that were popular and well-circulated at the time of their release could be worth a small fortune today due to certain features like unique cover art, first pressings, and pristine condition.

If you are looking for a simple way to make money from home and happen to have a record collection that dates back to the 1970s, keep an eye out for these 10 albums from the decade worth serious cash today.

Editor's note: Estimated market values come from eBay, unless otherwise stated.

Sex Pistols - 'God Save The Queen'

Estimated market value: $4,832

Though thousands of copies of the 7" single vinyl featuring the Sex Pistols' controversial anthem "God Save the Queen" were pressed back in 1977, most were destroyed due to backlash related to the song's lyrics. Some copies did survive, and those are incredibly valuable today.

Original copies have 7284 written twice on the B side. Discogs puts the record sale for one of the vinyls at over $16,000, while the median is near $5,000.

David Bowie - 'The Man Who Sold The World'

Estimated market value: $2,240

The value of David Bowie's 1970 record "The Man Who Sold the World" depends on which version of the vinyl you have, as there were some variations in the cover art.

A version released in the U.K. in 1971 featuring Bowie in a dress on the cover is particularly valuable, with one in good condition recently selling on eBay for $2,240.

Neil Young - 'Time Fades Away'

Estimated market value: $300

"Time Fades Away" is an elusive live album from Neil Young. It was released in 1973, and original copies, which include a lyric insert, have steadily risen in value.

Promotional copies of the live album are particularly valuable, with one recently selling on eBay for $300.

The Eagles - 'Hotel California'

Estimated market value: $125

The going rate for well-kept versions of The Eagles' wildly popular 1976 record "Hotel California" tends to be around $100 to $125.

Sealed versions of the classic album regularly sell for $300 or more, and one special "test pressing" version of the record recently sold on eBay for more than $1,600.

The Rolling Stones - 'Sticky Fingers'

Estimated market value: $125

Though there are reports of The Rolling Stones' 1971 record "Sticky Fingers" selling for much more, the going rate for an original copy on eBay these days seems to be around $125.

The vinyl's original cover, designed by Andy Warhol, featured a model wearing a pair of jeans with a working zipper. The zipper disappeared from later copies, making originals, even in clearly worn condition, worth more.

Marvin Gaye - 'What's Going On'

Estimated market value: $150

Marvin Gaye's 1971 record "What's Going On" and its title track became smash hits in the early '70s and have truly stood the test of time.

Today, well-kept and working records, even with some signs of wear, easily sell for more than $100. A version still in its original shrink wrap recently sold for $150.

Fleetwood Mac - 'Rumours'

Estimated market value: $117

Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours," which features mega hits like "The Chain" and "Go Your Own Way," is still wildly popular today, and well-kept versions of the 1977 album are worth a decent chunk of change.

Recently, a copy of the record in excellent condition sold on eBay for more than $117, and factory-sealed versions have sold for closer to $200.

Queen - 'A Night at the Opera'

Estimated market value: $100

Queen's 1975 album "A Night at the Opera" became one of the biggest for the band, and gave the world "Bohemian Rhapsody." A used version of the record tends to be worth around $30, according to recent sales, though those kept in good condition go for closer to $50.

In mint condition, the record is worth much more. A never-played record recently sold for $100, and sealed versions have sold for more than $200.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - 'Exodus'

Estimated market value: $100

"Exodus," the 1977 release from Bob Marley & The Wailers, features some of the group's biggest hits like "Jamming" and "One Love." While the resale value of the original vinyl varies a great deal depending on condition, those in near mint condition tend to sell for close to, and sometimes over, $100.

Bruce Springsteen - 'Born to Run'

Estimated market value: $75

Bruce Springsteen's 1975 album "Born to Run" has some of his biggest hits to this day on it like "Thunder Road" and, naturally, "Born to Run."

First issue versions of the album tend to be valuable and are able to be identified by a misspelling of producer Jon Landau's name on the back (it's spelled "John"). Sealed editions are worth up to $200.

Bottom line

Reselling vintage vinyl online could be a fun and simple way to make extra money from home, especially if you have a large record collection from the '70s or enjoy browsing local thrift shops or garage sales.

For each of the albums listed above, and any vinyl you think may be valuable, determining true worth should involve assessing condition, release date (whether it's an original or re-release), and whether any original inserts are still intact. Don't assume your common copy is worthless before looking at it closely.

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