Curious what your 45 rpm records might be worth? In Chicago, certain soul, funk, jazz, R&B, punk and private-press 45s can be surprisingly valuable — sometimes worth more than an entire box of LPs.
This guide shows you exactly how 45s are valued, what collectors look for, and how to get a fast, fair estimate anywhere in Chicago or Northwest Indiana.
Most 45s were produced in small quantities — especially Chicago-area soul and funk 45s from the 60s–80s. Many were pressed in runs of a few hundred copies, sold at shows, or distributed locally to radio stations.
That scarcity is why a single 45 can be worth $50, $100, or even $300+ while a typical LP from the same era may only be worth a few dollars.
Most jukebox hits, oldies, and major-label pop 45s have no resale value — even in clean condition.