What is my vinyl record worth?
Two copies of the same album can be worth $5 and $500. The difference is almost always pressing, condition, and demand — in that order. Here's how to assess a record without guessing.
Identify the pressing
Flip the record over and read the matrix/runout — the etched code in the dead wax near the label. This identifies the exact pressing, often down to the stamper.
Cross-reference on Discogs by matching matrix, label variant, country, and year. First pressings, original country pressings, and limited colours usually carry a premium.
Grade the condition honestly
Use Goldmine grading: Mint (M), Near Mint (NM), Very Good Plus (VG+), Very Good (VG), Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P).
Grade media and sleeve separately. A VG+ record in a VG sleeve is worth far less than NM/NM.
Be ruthless. Most sellers overgrade by one full step — that's why buyers anchor to photos and matrix shots, not seller descriptions.
Catalog value vs sale price
Discogs shows a 'median' and 'last sold' price — last sold is the real number. Asking prices on listings are aspirational.
Filter recent sales by your exact pressing and condition. A figure from 'any pressing, any condition' is meaningless.
What actually drives value
Scarcity — small original runs, withdrawn covers, country exclusives, test pressings.
Demand — the artist's audience right now. Demand is volatile; an album that was $40 last year can be $120 after a documentary drops.
Condition — at the high end, NM doubles or triples a VG+ price. At the low end, condition barely moves the needle.