8 CDs That Are Worth a Surprising Small Fortune

Compact discs, or CDs, ruled the aughts. The materials cost less and the production process was faster than previously popular audio mediums like vinyl and 8-track. More opportunities existed to produce and release multiple singles, extended full-lengths, limited edition runs, and partnership collaboration discs.

While there aren’t many CDs out there that are worth more than $1 at your local thrift shop, a select few have sold for a pretty penny. If you’re looking for ways to make extra money, then you should dig through your collection and check their resale value. To help, we’ve compiled a list of eight CDs that are worth a surprising chunk of change.

The final studio album by Nirvana is, unsurprisingly, worth money to collectors. First runs in perfect condition garner some attention online. 

The 30th Anniversary version of the CD with bonus merchandise is listed multiple times for around $300. An extremely rare promotional copy of the CD with a different design on it could get you a proper chunk of change as well.

In Utero copies are currently listed on eBay for $699 and $1,499, neither copy is factory sealed. The most expensive CD to have ever sold at auction was a rare test pressing for $9,999, while a signed CD cover came in at $15,579.18 in November 2020.

There is a movie soundtrack on CD that is worth quite a bit of money. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) was composed, as usual, by John Williams.

Collectors loved this release because there were alternate covers featuring different characters. Versions of this CD came with bonus tracks, trading cards, CD-ROM inserts, and more. The most expensive copy sold for over $14,000 in 2021. Pre-owned copies are going for $250 on eBay.

Chalino Sánchez is known as one of the most influential narcocorrido crooners in history. Got a copy of Sánchez’s 13 Mejores Exitos on CD? You can probably get a little bit of money out of it on the resell market. 

Several copies can be found brand new on eBay for $79. A rare first edition with a slightly different cover than most sold for just over $10,000 in April 2022.

In 1997, Eminem released his first album, a full-length titled Slim Shady EP. With this CD, a limited release of 500, he broke into the industry with a flourish and obtained his first record deal. These days, if you see a copy of this rare CD, it will often go for between $500 and $2,500. A factory-sealed version is listed on eBay for $10,000 currently.

Japanese music releases will often be more limited pressings, making them rarer finds that collectors are always after. The Rolling Stones recorded their Steel Wheels Japan Tour 1990 and released it on CD. Stones fans love the audio experience so much on this release that this CD — unopened, hilariously — often goes for around $2,000.

Before Paris Hilton was Gen Z’s favorite famous DJ, she was an up-and-coming singer with her own reality show bred from her parents’ hotel chain fortune. While her music didn’t perform well at its release in 2006, the self-titled debut did attract a cult following.

The album artwork included Banksy originals, which ups the value a bit. Copies of this CD can go for around $1,000.

Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin is the most expensive CD to have ever been sold. Even the Guinness Book of Records recognized it as the most valuable album in the world.

Only one copy exists. This album, recorded in secret over six years and pressed in 2014, has a storied history and was most recently sold for $4 million. In June 2024, the owner live-streamed the work of art to a limited audience on X. It is now touring the world but is under a very controversial 88-year commercial ban.

You knew we couldn’t complete this list without The Purple One. In 1993, Prince distributed 50 promotional copies of a CD titled My Name Is Prince in Japan. It was pulled for the cover art during his war with his record label and was distributed nowhere else. Collectors have been known to pay about $5,000 for copies of this rarity.

While it’s true that most CDs aren’t worth much more than the material used to make them, keeping your eyes peeled for cult classics and collector’s favorites could help you clear out your closet — and get ahead financially in the process. Remember, brand-new and factory-sealed CDs have a better chance of raking in the cash.