20 Vinyl Records From The ’70s That Are Worth A Fortune Today
The 1970s didn’t just give us platform shoes and lava lamps—it gifted the world with some of the most legendary music ever pressed onto vinyl.
And while many records ended up collecting dust in attics, some have skyrocketed in value, making their original owners wish they’d kept them wrapped in plastic instead of spinning them at every house party. These aren’t just nostalgic relics; they’re serious money-makers, with price tags that could make even a rock star jealous.
From rare pressings of classic rock anthems to obscure gems that only die-hard collectors know about, these records are more than just grooves in wax—they’re goldmines.
Whether it’s a misprint that turned into a rarity or an ultra-limited edition that few ever got their hands on, these 20 vinyl treasures from the ‘70s prove that music isn’t just about the memories—it’s about the money. So, dust off that record collection, because you might just be sitting on a small fortune!
1. Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (1977)
Punk rock at its most rebellious! The Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” wasn’t just a single; it was a cultural explosion.
Banned in the UK, the rebellious nature of this record only fueled its rarity and value. Original pressings, with their raw, untamed energy, have become the holy grail for punk collectors. One such gem sold for a staggering $15,691.21, proving that anarchy sells.
So, if you’ve got this vinyl in your attic, you might just be sitting on a small fortune, or at least enough for a really nice anarchy-themed vacation.
2. David Bowie – “Diamond Dogs” (1974)
David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” wasn’t just an album; it was a canine curiosity.
Featuring Bowie as a half-man, half-dog on the original cover, this art was quickly withdrawn, making it a rare Bowie bone. If you sniff out this version, you might find yourself howling with joy at its value, which could fetch you $8,037.
Whether you’re a Ziggy Stardust fanatic or just barking mad for rare finds, this one’s a keeper! The combination of Bowie’s creative genius and its limited availability turns this into a collector’s dream.
3. Electric Light Orchestra – “Eldorado” Test Pressing (1974)
Before the world was officially introduced to the orchestral rock brilliance of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Eldorado,” test pressings were made to test the audio waters.
These rare tests are like finding the conductor’s baton in the haystack! One such pressing struck a chord at an impressive $7,500. This vinyl gem harmonizes rarity and nostalgia, making it an electric piece for any collector.
If you happen to have this record, don’t let it gather dust like a forgotten symphony; it’s a melody worth a mint.
4. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody/I’m in Love With My Car” (1975)
Oh, Mama! Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is not just an anthem; it’s an operatic masterpiece.
The original UK 7-inch single, especially with the picture sleeve, is a collector’s dream that ensures you’d be the champion of any vinyl meet. One such piece hit a high note, selling for $4,927.38.
So, if you’ve got this in your collection, you might be in for a killer payday! Remember, real champions collect Queen, and this record’s value is as dynamic and timeless as its guitar riff.
5. Pink Floyd – “The Dark Side of the Moon” (1973)
“The Dark Side of the Moon” is the album that needs no introduction, but here’s a rare twist. Among the millions sold, certain editions are worth a mint, particularly rare pressings.
One such edition sold for $3,718.95, making it far more than just another brick in the wall of music history. This vinyl isn’t just a record; it’s an experience, a sonic journey wrapped in iconic cover art.
If you discover this treasure, it could be the light at the end of your financial tunnel.
6. The Misfits – “Cough/Cool” (1977)
The Misfits’ debut single “Cough/Cool” is as rare as a ghost sighting at a horror punk concert.
This eerie treasure brings chills to collectors’ spines, with one copy haunting the market for $1,000. Produced with a DIY spirit, this record captures the raw essence of the band before they became punk legends.
If you happen to stumble upon this ghoulish vinyl, don’t let it vanish like a specter in the night! Instead, hold onto it – it could be the ghastly prize in your collection.
7. Can – “Monster Movie” (1969)
Can’s “Monster Movie” is a krautrock collector’s dream, especially the 1970 repress subtitled “Made in a Castle with Better Equipment.”
This version echoes the experimental soundscapes the band is known for, making it a monster hit among vinyl enthusiasts. Selling for $8,536.58, it’s not just music; it’s an avant-garde journey. Owning this record is like having a piece of musical innovation in your hands.
So, if you find this in your collection, it’s worth more than just a monster mash; it’s a treasure worth celebrating.
8. Mourning Phase – Self-Titled (1971)
Mourning Phase’s self-titled album isn’t just an obscure British folk record; it’s a hauntingly rare masterpiece.
Test pressings of this album are the stuff of legend, with one fetching $10,667.90. The ethereal melodies captured here are enough to make any vinyl collector swoon. If you have this hidden in your attic, it’s time to dust it off; it could be your ticket to a small fortune.
Remember, in the world of vinyl, this album is less about mourning and more about celebrating its value!
9. Capitolo 6 – “Frutti Per Kagua” (1972)
Capitolo 6’s “Frutti Per Kagua” isn’t just music; it’s an Italian progressive rock odyssey.
Enthusiasts covet this album, with an original gatefold pressing fetching $8,700. The album’s intricate compositions are a delightful labyrinth of sound, capturing the essence of a bygone era. Finding this gem is like discovering a forgotten fresco in a Roman villa.
If this record happens to be in your collection, it’s time to celebrate its vibrant history and potential to enhance your vinyl portfolio significantly.
10. Leaf Hound – “Growers of Mushroom” (1971)
Leaf Hound’s “Growers of Mushroom” is heavy rock nirvana.
The original pressing of this album is as rare as a truffle in rock music, with one copy selling for $6,255.68. This record is like the secret garden of vinyl treasures, where each note blooms like a psychedelic masterpiece.
If you have this piece, it’s time to dig it up and let it shine in your collection. Its rarity ensures it’s not just a record but a valuable artifact of rock history.
11. Fraction – “Moon Blood” (1971)
Fraction’s “Moon Blood” is a psychedelic rock treasure, floating in the ether of vinyl collecting.
An original pressing sold for $6,222.22, making it a lunar gem of great worth. With its haunting melodies and rich, ambient textures, this album is a journey through a musical cosmos. If you find this celestial disc in your collection, it might just illuminate your financial universe.
Remember, as rare as a blood moon, this record’s value is best appreciated under the spotlight of a collector’s gaze.
12. Churchill’s – Self-Titled (1968)
Churchill’s self-titled album is a rare Israeli rock gem that captures the vibrant sounds of the late ’60s.
With one copy selling for $6,111.11, it’s more than just music; it’s a cultural artifact. The band’s energetic performances and unique sound make this album a must-have for collectors. If this vinyl is nestled in your collection, it’s worth tuning into its value.
Like a hidden diamond in the rough, its worth continues to sparkle in the world of rare records.
13. Phafner – “Overdrive” (1972)
Phafner’s “Overdrive” isn’t just an album; it’s a high-octane journey through underground rock.
With its original pressing fetching $5,797.77, this record is like a ride on a sonic rollercoaster. Its raw energy and unique sound make it a standout piece for any vinyl enthusiast.
Owning this album is like having a backstage pass to rock history. If it’s in your collection, it’s not just spinning records but boosting your vinyl portfolio into overdrive.
14. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run” (1975)
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is not just an album; it’s a rock ‘n’ roll anthem.
The advance promotional pressing of this iconic album sold for $5,617.97, making it a prized possession for any fan. With its raw power and dynamic storytelling, this record captures the essence of Springsteen’s genius. If you have this rare pressing, it’s time to hit the road and celebrate its value.
Like a classic car, this album’s worth only increases with time and nostalgia.
15. David Bowie – “Space Oddity” (1969)
David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” is out of this world! The original 7-inch pressing of this groundbreaking single is highly sought after, with one copy selling for over $2,000.
This record is like a space mission: thrilling, pioneering, and unforgettable. If you find this in your collection, it’s not just a piece of vinyl; it’s a piece of cosmic history.
Let this record launch your collection into another dimension, proving that even in vinyl, Bowie’s genius continues to orbit.
16. Queen – “Seven Seas of Rhye” (1974)
Queen’s “Seven Seas of Rhye” marked the band’s first chart success, but this limited edition 7-inch single is more than just a hit.
Valued around $1,500, it’s a regal addition to any collection. This record is like discovering a royal artifact; its significance is matched only by its rarity.
If you possess this gem, it’s time to let its value reign supreme in your collection. Like a crown jewel, this record’s worth is both financial and historical.
17. Dark – “Dark Round the Edges” (1972)
Dark’s “Dark Round the Edges” is a psychedelic rock masterpiece, with only 64 copies originally pressed.
This vinyl is a holy grail for collectors, with some copies selling for astronomical amounts. With its haunting melodies and rich, ambient textures, this album is an experience wrapped in mystery.
If you find this in your collection, it’s a journey through a musical cosmos, and a financial boon that’s out of this world. Its scarcity makes it a true treasure in the vinyl world.
18. The Beatles – “The White Album” (1968)
The Beatles’ “The White Album” isn’t just a record; it’s a cultural milestone.
Certain pressings with low serial numbers are extremely valuable, with one copy (serial number 0000007) selling for £21,000. This album is like owning a piece of the Beatles’ legacy. If this rare pressing is in your collection, it’s more than just music; it’s a piece of history.
The Fab Four’s creative genius continues to captivate collectors, making this album a timeless investment.
19. The Velvet Underground & Nico – Self-Titled (1967)
The Velvet Underground & Nico’s self-titled album is a cornerstone of experimental music.
The original mono pressing with the iconic banana cover is highly collectible, with one copy selling for $9,795.92. This record isn’t just an album; it’s a revolution in sound and art.
If you find this in your collection, let it peel away the layers of its value. It’s not just a piece of vinyl; it’s an artistic statement that continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.
20. Mötley Crüe – “Too Fast for Love” (1981)
Mötley Crüe’s “Too Fast for Love” is more than just an album; it’s a rock ‘n’ roll relic.
Originally self-released, this debut is a collector’s item, with one copy selling for $9,000. Its raw energy and glam rock flair capture the essence of the band’s early days.
If this record is in your collection, you’re in for a wild ride. It’s more than just music; it’s a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of rock history.