Are you the owner of a considerable number of Prince vinyl records? Do you have any rare Prince vinyl? Are you looking to part ways with it in the pursuit of hard cash? Do you simply want to get an idea of how much it’s worth?
Then join us today as we explore 10 of the rarest and most valuable Prince records on the used vinyl market!
1. The Black Album
Value: £6,572.97
One of the infamous withdrawn releases of all time, this Prince album has had its fair share of rumors around it, hence why it can still command such a high price even in the face of an official digital release years later.
2. Lovesexy
Value: £3,588.00
The theme of this album is the struggle between good and evil. God and Satan, virtue and sin (although, with the Gemini character that he developed in 1989, these “sides” may also represent “ego and alter-ego”), the perennial themes of Prince’s work, mix as Prince climaxes to “Love is God, God is love, girls and boys love God above” in the song “Anna Stesia”.
3. Purple Rain
Value: £2,322.03
Original pressings of this now legendary release are highly sought after considering the album’s reputation as one of the classic records of the 1980s and one of the best-sounding records of that era too. There’s no mistaking it either, just look at the cover!
4. Controversy
Value: £1,593.25
The only thing that isn’t controversial about this album is the price. It’s no wonder this album can command such a sum when put up for sale. Its status as an album of merit among music collectors is beyond reproach. Laud in it and bask duly!
5. For You
The deeply suggestive title of this record leaves you with no question as to whom the music is being addressed. This is a release for you, exclusively selected, curated, and assembled with you in mind. Such is the power of Prince to truly bring each and every thought to you as though he had fashioned it that way.
6. Dream Factory
Value: £1,290.94
Even though the album was never officially released, there is a bootleg CD available of the July 1986 track configuration, which comes with a color pencil sketch made by Susannah Melvoin as cover, which was a concept for the prospective sleeve. This album cover is, then, attributed to The Flesh rather than Prince and the Revolution.
7. My Name Was Prince
Value: £1,225.00
As a way to signal his distancing from the label Prince, he released this rare CD in Japan while he was on tour to really get the point across that the artist formerly known as Prince would like to be known as that.
8. Batman
Value: £1,025.00
It’s easy to forget that Prince’s popular cultural contributions extend beyond his own music and spread forth to the Batman franchise, something that markedly affected the film for better or worse depending on your perspective and state of mind.
His influence is hard to deny, however.
9. Around the World in a Day
Value: £900.00
Departing somewhat from the commercial sound of his previous release, the massively successful Purple Rain, the album instead saw Prince experimenting with psychedelic styles and more opulent textures.
In compliance with Prince’s wishes, the record company released the album with minimal publicity, withholding accompanying singles until almost a month after the album’s release, hence its rarity now!
10. Prince
Value: £814.67
Finally, we can end where it all began, with Prince’s self-titled debut album, featuring many of the hallmarks of Prince’s trademark movements, including blues stylings, panache, and erotic flair. How we delight in how far he has come!
Final Tones
So, there you have it! Hopefully, you are now feeling ready and able to do what you will with your valuable Prince vinyl!
FAQs Prince Vinyl Records Value
Are Prince’s records worth money?
Though once scant, now those prices are soaring to over $1,000 in some cases. A mint, unopened collector edition version of Purple Rain was listed on eBay with a Buy it Now price of $2,500 for a few hours.
What is the most expensive Prince record?
A vinyl copy of Prince’s fabled 1987 LP known as The Black Album has sold for $27,500, making it the most expensive record ever sold on online music marketplace Discogs. The album was withheld from release by Prince, who described having an epiphanic experience that prompted him to scrap it.
How do I find out what my vinyl albums are worth?
Always research any record that’s being sold. Use online resources like discography databases and collector forums to help determine the value of your records and be sure to consider factors like condition, scarcity, and demand.
How many #1 albums does Prince have?
He has accumulated five US number-one singles and fifteen worldwide number 1 hits, as well as 8 worldwide number-one albums. His influence, then, is dearly felt throughout western music and many call upon him in times of need.
