The Most Valuable Record Store Day Releases of All Time
The most valuable RSD titles sold on Discogs include special collector’s box sets and rare singles.
Since 2008, Record Store Day’s limited-edition releases have created aftermarkets of seismic proportions. With Record Store Day fast approaching on April 20, the following list explores the most valuable RSD releases of all time.
This list is determined by the median sale value on Discogs, the world’s largest online music database. This means that you might find a copy for more — or less! — in the Discogs Marketplace. And while original price tags for RSD releases are usually on par for the format or the amount pressed, those prices can go up dramatically over time.
For example, take a closer look at that release sitting at No. 1. The Boards of Canada 12-inch was dropped on RSD 2013 purely as a promotional stunt. The actual record contains mostly dead space, a really short clip of music, and someone reading the numbers “936557” aloud. Is it the most rapturous song to come from the electronic duo? Not by a long shot. But its extremely limited run of six copies has ensured a top spot in this ranking — plus, the band eventually released a full-length later that year.
Many of the other most valuable RSD releases don’t even come close to breaking the $1,000 USD mark, but the median values are still impressive. US and European RSD pressings of Taylor Swift’s 1989 both cracked the top five and a very limited Paul McCartney release was able to claim the No. 2 spot.
For more about Record Store Day 2024, check out Discogs’ coverage for all the information you need on RSD 2024 releases.
Visit Record Store Day for details about this year’s event on April 20. This article was updated in April 2024 with the most recent median sale prices.
#1
—— / —— / —— / XXXXXX / —— / ——
2013
Only six copies of this rare Boards Of Canada RSD release exist.
Median Value: $2,500
#2
Sweet Thrash
2015
This self-released 12-inch was a secret RSD release that was hidden in the Paul McCartney section at select record stores.
Median Value: $1,000
#3
1989
2018
The European version of this 2018 reissue was pressed on clear and pink vinyl.
Median Value: $983
#4
1989
2018
The US version of this 2018 RSD reissue also features crystal clear and pink vinyl.
Median Value: $976
#5
Vinyl Box Set
2014
Cake’s expansive Vinyl Box Set was limited to just 900 copies.
Median Value: $884
#6
Median Value: $787
#7
Median Value: $725
#8
Median Value: $609
#9
Median Value: $553
#10
Median Value: $512
#11
Median Value: $506
#12
Median Value: $489
#13
Median Value: $460
#14
Median Value: $460
#15
Median Value: $441
#16
Median Value: $440
#17
Median Value: $436
#18
Median Value: $427
#19
Median Value: $421
#20
Median Value: $417
#21
Median Value: $400
#22
Median Value: $400
#24
Median Value: $400
#25
Median Value: $399
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