The Valuable Item Everyone Walks Past At The Thrift Store

Thrift store shopping is like a fun, modern-day scavenger hunt. But while most people end up squabbling over mid-century lamps or valuable vintage glassware, they often end up walking right by the most consistent (and exciting) section in the entire building. Tucked between old picture frames and stacks of overflowing books lies the vinyl records. High-value vinyl is one of the most overlooked valuable items at thrift stores. And while the condition of the sleeve matters to some extent, the physical condition of the actual vinyl record is what matters most.

If you can, gently pull the record out of its sleeve, always holding it at the edges, and tilt it around under the store's overhead lights. Vinyl that's in great shape (and thus, more valuable) will be clean, flat, have a quality intact sleeve, and be free from physical damage. Note that a record can still have some minor wear and tear and still be in good enough shape to enjoy or sell for a decent price. 

That said, be on the lookout for cracks and gouges; make sure you check both sides, too. Then, hold the disc at eye level to check for warping (it should be flat) to make sure it can play. A record so warped it'd be better upcycled as home decor won't play, but even less dramatic warping can potentially damage your turntable's delicate cartridge. Taking thirty seconds to thoroughly inspect each record's physical condition ensures your thrift find is a win you can take for a spin.

Once you know how to spot vinyl that's in quality condition, you'll need to know which names and labels actually hold their value when you go digging. In the world of high-value vinyl, original pressings are a holy grail. Classic jazz records are especially popular among audiophile collectors for this reason. Big labels like Blue Note and Prestige were usually only printing a thousand or so original release pressings per album title. Artists like Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane are among the most popular names in jazz. And even if you aren't a jazz aficionado, these albums are fantastic investments that dedicated vinyl collectors will likely pay a premium for, especially if their covers are still crisp and unpeeled.

You also can't go wrong with classic rock heavy hitters from the '60s and '70s like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, The Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix. Look for albums with unique or distinctive features like textured covers, original packaging, or special artwork or autographs. Also, rarity is a huge deal in general when it comes to vinyl. If you find a record that had a limited pressing, misprints, or an uncommon jacket, it will be worth more. Whether you're building a personal library or looking for a flip, these hidden gems offer a tangible connection to the past that streaming music simply can't duplicate. May your next thrift store crate-digging adventure be successful; just make sure you don't store your vinyl records wrong.