Please, do not phone us to discuss the value of your record collection, unique items you own or how or where to sell your records. All these questions are answered in detail below. If you must contact us, send us E-Mail. We will answer your E-Mail

Information on Continental Records  Buying 

Continental Records only purchases brand new 45 RPM records. 
If you have a large quantity (2000 or more) of brand new 45s to sell, please contact us for the best price

Continental Records does not buy used 45s or any LPs/12" or 78s. 
If you have such records to sell please read the information we provide below on selling your collection

Don't Want to Spend 10 More Minutes Reading?
OK, here's the Scoop . . .

• Your records must be in “like new” condition to have any value
• Rock 'n' roll, rhythm & blues and jazz records manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s are the most valuable records
• Other records made in the 1950s and 1960s usually have some value
• Most records that were made before 1950 and after 1970 have little or no value (except as detailed below)
• Values in any price guide are the maximum price the record has sold for - you will never obtain full value when selling
  
• Make a list – without a list your records are only worth pennies a piece

Prices detailed on this page
 

All pricing on this page is for records that are in “like new” condition. LPs and EPs that are “still sealed” (in their original cellophane wrapper) are worth more than the quoted prices

Record condition is paramount

Do you wish to determine the value (or sell) obviously used copies (no sleeves or covers, noisy when played, scratches, marks, writing or tape on label or cover, etc) of common phonograph records from any year (1901-1999)? Most best-selling records from the past were pressed in the millions and used copies usually have little or no value 

In almost all cases there are sufficient copies of records in “new” or “like new” to satisfy all current (and future) collector needs

The best value on obviously used records described above is not what money they will fetch but the enjoyment you can still get from them – continuing to play them, enjoying the music and remembering the moments – this is why the records were purchased in the first place (right?)

78s? 45s? LPs? 12"? 
Identify your records before you go further

Understand what you own. It is impossible to determine the value (or sell) your records if you do not even know if you have 78s or 45s or LPs or 12" Singles 

(Click on photos for larger examples)

78 RPM 10 inch

45 RPM 7 inch

33 RPM LP 12 inch

12 Inch Single 45 RPM or 33 RPM

Rare and Valuable 78s
78s were manufactured with a layer of shellac covering both sides of cardboard.  Thicker and much heavier than vinyl 45s or LPs they were  very fragile and would shatter like glass if dropped. Most 78s are 10" in diameter. Larger (12" and 16") were also manufactured. Most popular from 1900 to 1959

Many people think that the older the record, the more it is worth – this is rarely true. Almost all popular 78 RPM records manufactured before 1950 have no value. Let's face it, most collectors who remember and purchase records made before 1950 are now 80+ years old. Soon there will be no buyers at all
 

		(Click on photos for more and larger examples)
Recent 78s	Beatle 78s

The most recent 78s (manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s) usually fetch the highest prices. All rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues 78s currently sell for $10 or more – $20 when in the original manufacturer sleeve. 

Other collected 78s include early American Blues and Hillbilly records of the 1930s and 1940s. 

Rare and Valuable 45s
45s are made of vinyl or styrene plastic and are 7" in diameter. Most popular from 1949 to 1989.
45s are still manufactured today (2018) in small batches

(Click on photos below for more and larger examples)

Almost all 45s with the original manufacturer's sleeves made in the 1950s and the 1960s are worth $5 or more. 45s with the wrong sleeves are worth much less. No paper sleeves on your 45s or 78s? Shame on you – toss them out right now

All rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues 45s with picture sleeves made in the 1950s and the 1960s have values that exceed $10.00 per record. Many have values of $100+

EPs (7 inch 45 RPM records with 4 songs) were only made in the 1950s and 1960s. Each record had a hard cardboard cover and a plastic cellophane wrapper like LPs. All rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues EPs (complete with cover) have values that exceed $20.00 per record. Many have values of $200+

All 45s from the 1990s and 2000s are rare and valued at $5 or more. Many of these songs / records already have a “history” and 45 RPM hard copies will be very valuable in the future

Rare and Valuable LPs (33 RPM)
LPs are made from vinyl plastic. Most LPs are 12" in diameter. Smaller (10") were also manufactured in the 1950s. Most popular from 1948 to 1999. LPs are still manufactured today (2018) for all artists

During the 1950s and early 1960s (before the Beatles) teenagers purchased records they heard on the radio in 45 RPM format – they wanted the song they heard on the radio – they were not necessarily fans of the artist. However every record company issued LPs by their recording artists even if they didn't sell well at the time. There are several categories of LPs that are highly valued by collectors

((Click on photos below for more and larger examples)

Rhythm & Blues pioneers. When LPs like these were issued in the 1950s the (often small) record companies had poor distribution and the main buyers of R & B records didn't have much money. Some titles were issued with only 1000 copies pressed. Many such LPs now sell at prices exceeding $500 per copy

Rock 'n' Roll pioneers. Whether “rockabilly” or “rock 'n' roll” LPs like these that were made in the 1950s are now quite rare and valuable. Many have values that exceed $100. Some sell for $1000 or more.

Teen artists LPs of the 1950s and 1960s are also relatively rare. Such LPs often sell for $10 or more – and if they are in “true” stereo you can quadruple the price

Everything by the Beatles. The last “original” Beatle LP was sold in 1970 (Let it Be). Every Beatle LP sold in every country from 1963 to 1970 is worth $15 or more when complete (record, cover & inner paper sleeve) and in “like new” condition . Many original Beatle LPs (including foreign copies) have values from $100 to $10,000+

Everything that is Beatles “related.” This would include rarer LPs by the the individual Beatles and various LPs by artists that honour or mention the Beatles. Many such LPs sell for $100 or more. Some have values above $1000

“Most collected artists” records have the highest values. Most “Fans”  LPs made after 1970 sell for $10 or more and some made before 1970 sell for $100+. See Fans below for more details.

All jazz LPs of the 1950s and 1960s sell for $10 or more – some are worth $100+. Favourite artists include Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Mingus and many more. Collected jazz labels include Blue Note, Fantasy, Prestige, Riverside, Verve and others

In addition to CDs and “Digital Downloads” record companies continue to release LPs by their most popular artists today (2015). Because of the relatively high LP price (about $25 each) and small quantities manufactured they are already rare and many will be more valuable in the future

Have LPs that don't fit in the above categories? There are very few other collected LPs. Generally speaking if your LPs are not original rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll or jazz related LPs pressed in the 1950s or 1960s they probably have little or no value – sorry

Rare and Valuable 12" Singles
(Recorded in both 33 RPM & 45 RPM speeds)
Most are 12" in diameter
Produced from 1974 to current

((Click on photo below for more and larger examples)

All original 12" “Disco” or “Dance Mix” or “Italo” records have values of $10+. These records were made in very small batches (usually for disc jockeys & clubs) and are quite rare.

Rare and Valuable Pre-recorded Reel-to-Reel Tapes
Manufactured on both 5" and 7" reels
Produced from 1955 to 1984 (Approximate dates)

Every pre-recorded Reel-to-reel tape is rare and valuable. They were issued for audiophiles with a compatable reel-to-reel player in mono, stereo or "quadraphonic" (4 channel stereo). These tapes originally cost up to ten times the price of the equivalent LP

((Click on photo below for more and larger examples)

All original pre-recorded reel-to-reel tapes have values of $30+ with the original box. Many have values of $100+. Quadraphonic stereo tapes are most prized by collectors

Fans keep prices very high

Listed below are the 14 most collected artists (and most valuable) records in order in 2011. 
 

1 Beatles	2 Rolling Stones	3 Led Zepplin	4 Sex Pistols	5 David Bowie
6 Jimi Hendrix	7 Bob Dylan	8 Iron Maiden	9 Queen	10 Elvis Presley
11 Joy Division	12 Genesis	13 Depeche Mode	14 Miles Davis

Not on the top of the list, but also sought after by collectors are rarer records by AC-DC, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Kiss, Madonna, Prince, Rush, Frank Sinatra, U2, Neil Young and many other artists

Rare and Valuable Stereo Records

The first film with a stereo soundtrack was Fantasia (1940). Record companies have been recording in stereo since the early 1950s

All 45s manufactured by all labels after 1970 were pressed in stereo. However many labels selectively pressed 45s in stereo between 1957 and 1970. These early stereo 45s (especially 1950s) have values up to 10 times the mono releases
 

		(Click on photos for more & larger examples)
Early stereo 45	Early stereo LP

Almost all LPs manufactured by all labels after 1970 were pressed in stereo. However many labels selectively pressed LPs in stereo after 1957. Early stereo LPs (especially 1950s) have values up to 4 times the mono releases

Rare and Valuable Records on YouTube

There are more collectors around the world who pursue “The History of Rock 'n' Roll” than any other category.

Rhythm & Blues, “Doo-Wop” and “Rockabilly” records from 1950 through 1964 traditionally have the the highest value of all collected records

For fun I have included below several YouTube listings. Many records by these artists (and 100s of other artists not listed here) have values over $100 and some over $1000. The Five Sharps record sold twice for more than $10,000

(Click below on artist or photo to view video)

Cab Calloway	Johnny Carroll	Collins Kids	Five Satins	Five Sharps
Flamingos	Wanda Jackson	Louis Jordan	Bob Luman	Mello-Kings
Johnny Otis	Red Prysock	Teenagers	Big Joe Turner	(Click on artist or photo to view video)

Once you view the videos you'll have a pretty good idea of what type of music and records are worth big bucks - they are almost all from the 1950s and not by the most popular artists of the time period

Rare and Valuable Records - More Examples

(Click below on photos or graphics for more details)

Values of some commercially released (but now rare) Beatles (45s, EPs & LPs) records includes 15 titles worth more  than $1000

Detroit and Motown – 100s of records on these labels are valued at more than $100 – and many are worth $1000+  (3 pages)

Values of records by the 1950s R & B group the Flamingos from the Jerry Osborne official price guide (below) includes several records with values of more than $1000

Values of 28 most sought after records on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Values of six million different records sold on E-Bay – type in your artist – see the value (if more than $20)

History is important

History does not mean age of the record. Does the record itself have a history? Items with high values are often records that fill spots in a historical era:

• The roots of country music (early 1930s and 1940s country artists – often called “hillbilly.”
• The history of rock 'n' roll – 1950s Rhythm & Blues or rockabilly,
• Girl groups of the 1960s,
• Northern Soul – Unique American single records (usually not hits in the USA) that were played by DJs in clubs in Northern England (e.g., Manchester, etc) in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• “Italo” disco. After the disco sound died in the USA it continued in Europe in the 1980s. Italo disco records are distinguished by a strong electronic beat and very weak vocals (if any).
• Detroit and Motown (early Berry Gordy productions or other Detroit label releases), See Rare & valuable – More Examples above.
• Answer records – even if not popular (I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain, the Duchess of Earl, etc.),
• The history of electric guitar (early Les Paul), or,
• Just to complete a collection on a certain artist such as early Jan and Dean on Arwin label or their later 1970s records on the Ode label or early Aretha Franklin on Columbia label etc.

1st Pressing Original Releases vs 2nd, 3rd, 4th pressings 
or promo records or reissues or bootlegs

1st pressing original commercial releases always have the most value. They are commonly known as “originals.” These are the records that people purchased when the record was first on the “charts” and played on “Top 40 Radio.” Many of the original 45s had “picture sleeves.” Original LPs/12"/CDs often had inserts and other features not on later (2nd or other) releases. These are the records collectors want and will pay the most for
 

		(Click on photos for more and larger examples)
Original Pressing	3rd Pressing

2nd (and 3rd and 4th) commercial pressings were made after the records were off the charts and top 40 radio. These records most often have the same label and number but can be identified by dealers and collectors because of differences from the 1st pressings in the cover or colour of the label. These pressings of popular records usually have a lesser value than the 1st pressings

Promotional (Audition) records were free records send to radio stations (and others) to announce a new release (45 or LP). They were identified by the label (often white in colour) and were marked “Promotional” or “Audition” and/or  “Not for Sale.” Promo copies of best selling records generally have a slightly lower value than the 1st pressing originals. Occasionally promo copies were pressed for records that were never released commercially. Obviously these records are extremely rare and obtain a very high value for the most sought after artists or music. Almost all valuable “promo” records are  “rock 'n' roll” related 45 RPMs released in the 1950s and 1960s. A few promo LPs (by the most collected artists) are also valuable
 

		(Click on photos for more and larger examples)
Promo Pressing	Reissue Pressing

“Reissues” of popular records usually have a different label and number than the original release and have no more value than the original purchase price. All Beatles records made after 1971 are reissues. Reissues also include “Greatest Hits” compilations by any artist

“Bootlegs” are not legitimate commercial releases that collectors want and are illegal. It's a fact that all illegal items (not just records) are hard to advertise, buy or sell. Most bootlegs have little value
 

		(Click on photos for larger examples)
Beatle bootleg	Beatle counterfeit

Bootlegs come in several categories. LPs/12"/CDs often feature not commercially released (stolen) tracks or recorded live concerts. 45s include re-releases of rare or valuable 45s. Some bootleg 45s are exact copies of rare records with the original label graphics and numbers – these are known in the industry as “counterfeits” 

Values, Buying Prices, Selling Prices

“Book value” or appraised price is the highest price the item can be sold for. 
All records sell for much less than book value – except the rarest items.

On most (non rare) popular records the dealer buying price is often as low as 5% of the “book” value. This is because the dealer probably has copies of all of your records already and it will take him years to sell many of your items.

If you wish to obtain a higher selling price for your items you will have to sell them yourself (individually) to collectors – on E-Bay or by placing ads in Goldmine Magazine

Making your “List of Records to Sell”

Make a list – without a list your records are only worth pennies a piece

Make a list using your computer – that way it can be attached to any E-Mails or printed to carry around with you. Each line listing should include:

• Record type – 78, 45, LP or 12" 
• Condition – like new or used
• Artist & title
• Label & number
• Additional notes: Anything significant about the listed record?

Continental Records Co - Sell your 45s to us

Continental Records buys and sells large quantities of brand new 45s every year. If you have a large quantity (2000 or more) of brand new 45s to sell, please contact us for the best price. Continental Records does not buy used 45s or any LPs/12" or 78s

Craigslist or Kijiji

The easiest way to sell all your records in a week or less. Place a free ad and you will get local responders immediately. Hone up on your bargaining skills – if you have done little research on your collection (and have no list of your records) many offers will be only pennies per record

E-Bay

If you sell on E-Bay, some records you list will be bid upon by E-Bay users – 
many of the others  (the most common titles) will not be bid on at all

Goldmine Magazine

Another method is selling them (all at once) to one of the used record dealers listed in Goldmine. Or, you can run ads to sell the records individually. It is suggested that you obtain an issue or two of their magazine. Their web site is http://www.goldminemag.com

Your local record collector store
.... (Click for larger  photos)
Look for your local stores in the Yellow Pages. Most remaining collector stores buy and sell CDs/DVDs/Current LPs. Don't expect them to show any interest in a small bunch of used popular records. However if you have a larger “collection” don't phone – drop in and talk with them and bring your list – no need to bring the records. Even if they have no interest they will probably give you good advice on selling your collection to another local dealer. For a list of collector record stores in your state click here

Your local “Record show & convention”
(Click on photos for more and larger examples)
Most major cities have one or more “record shows” every year. The “Toronto Musical Collectables Record & CD Sale” has two shows yearly. They feature more than 100 “dealers” – with the majority selling used vinyl. Other city shows are similar. Don't rent a table or bring your records – just bring your list and pay for admission. You should be able to talk with many local dealers who could have an interest in your list and purchasing your complete collection

Comments, corrections and additions
Are all welcomed. Please E-Mail me at conrecs@gocontinental.com

Neil Patte, 2011/2015

Record & CD price guides by Jerry Osborne

 

Elvis Presley

The Beatles

Soundtracks & Original Cast

Compilation LPs

Rockin' Records Annual

An avid collector of records for over 48 years, Jerry Osborne has also worked full-time as an author of record price guides and reference books since 1975.Among the books he publishes are pricing guides to Elvis, the Beatles, Movie Soundtracks & Original Cast albums, compilation LPs & CDs and the largest one – The “Rockin' Records” Official Price Guide (published yearly).

See Rare & Valuable above for a sample listing of the group the Flamingos.

The cornerstone guide of any record appraiser's library, Jerry Osborne's “Rockin' Records" annual is the world's most popular record price guide. The recordings of approximately 50,000 different artists are included. The current edition has everything you need to know to price practically every disc you own: singles (33, 45, & 78 RPMs), albums (10 inch & 12 inch), picture sleeves, and more. Loaded with plenty of great photos. Covers pop, rock, country, jazz, blues, and a little of everything else – from 1902 to present; from the very popular to the very, very obscure. The 2011 edition is 1168 pages with pricing on over one MILLION records! If you're looking for individual pricing on records or CDs? This book will provide all the answers. 

Click Here For Jerry Osborne's Site