Most Valuable 2010s Vinyl Records: Collectible Albums Worth Big Money
Vinyl records made a major comeback in the 2010s – so much so that vinyl sales even surpassed CDs for the first time in over 30 years [1].
With this resurgence came a booming collectors’ market, and it’s not just rare old pressings fetching sky‑high prices. Some vinyl albums originally released during the 2010s have become extremely valuable, reselling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on marketplaces like Discogs and eBay.
In this post, we’ll explore the most valuable 2010s vinyl records, why they’re so collectible, and what vinyl enthusiasts should know if they’re looking to invest in collectible 2010s vinyl.
The 2010s Vinyl Revival and Collectibility
In the early 2010s, vinyl was still a niche, but by the middle of the decade, it had exploded in popularity [1].
Between 2010 and 2014, top prices on Discogs hovered around $2,000, but by 2015, rare modern records started selling for over $3,000 [1].
Why some 2010s vinyl is now worth big money:
Limited pressings & first editions
Exclusive variants & Record Store Day releases
Cultural impact & fan demand
Long gaps before reissues
The Most Valuable 2010s Vinyl Records (Original Releases)
1. Wu‑Tang Clan – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (2015)
Only one copy was ever produced, sold to Martin Shkreli for $2 million [1]. This one‑of‑a‑kind album is considered a modern art piece and the ultimate vinyl collectible.
2. Frank Ocean – Blonde (2016)
Originally sold in a 24‑hour online release for about $35, copies of Blonde have sold for $1,000 or more, with rare sales exceeding $2,000 [2].
3. Taylor Swift – 1989 (2014) – 2018 RSD Clear Vinyl
A special crystal‑clear Record Store Day edition has sold for $2,747 on the secondary market [3].
4. Taylor Swift – Reputation (2017) – FYE Exclusive Orange
This variant was limited to 3,000 translucent orange double LPs. Sealed copies have reached $2,800 [3].
Other 2010s Records Worth Money
Daft Punk – Tron: Legacy (2010): Early pressings, especially glow‑in‑the‑dark embossed editions, have sold for several hundred dollars
My Bloody Valentine – m b v (2013): Limited self‑released mail‑order vinyl; early pressings often sell for $200+
Ghost – Opus Eponymous (2010): First pressings (esp. colored variants) regularly fetch a few hundred dollars among metal collectors
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (2010) Limited Deluxe: Deluxe versions with bonus tracks/art command strong secondary‑market prices
Shinedown – The Sound of Madness (2010 vinyl): A splatter‑colored edition, limited to 600 copies, resells for $300–$400 [4]
Pattern: Low supply + high fan demand = high market value.
Tips for Collecting 2010s Vinyl (with Investment Insight)
Check pressing info – Confirm limited runs, color variants, and numbered editions
Act fast on exclusives – RSD drops and 24‑hour artist store releases often become future grails
Condition is king – Mint or sealed copies often fetch 50–200% more [5]
Beware the reissue effect – Prices can dip after a repress
Collect what you love – Markets fluctuate, but enjoying your collection is the best “return on investment”
Conclusion
The 2010s produced incredible music and some of the most valuable modern vinyl collectibles. From Wu‑Tang’s one‑of‑a‑kind art album to Frank Ocean’s short‑run masterpiece and Taylor Swift’s fan‑driven rarities, these LPs now sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you’re a casual music fan, check your shelf – that 2010s album you bought might now be vinyl gold.
Sources
[1] Business Insider
[2] Neon Music
[3] Discogs
[4] Reddit r/vinyl
[5] Rare Records