How to Sell Old 45 Records from the 50s

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 5, 2024 Approved

Most 45s are seven inches in diameter and were popular from approximately 1949 to 1989. While some may be worth only pennies, there are others that sell for hundreds of dollars. ^{[1]
X
Research source} Whether you’re an avid collector of records, or you just have a few vinyls gathering dust on a shelf, there are many ways to prep your records and sell them for all they’re worth.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Record Collection

Download Article

1
Determine if it is a rare or valuable record. It’s very important to know if your record is an uncommon find which means it will be worth more money. Look for rock and roll and R&B 45s and EPs with original sleeves, or first pressings of albums. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Rock and roll and R&B 45s with picture sleeves that were pressed in the 1950’s have a value of at least $10, with many being valued at more than $100. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- EPs were only made in the 50’s and 60’s. Rock and roll and R&B 45s with the cardboard sleeves are worth at least $20, with many being worth more than $200.
- First pressings of albums have more value than second, third, or subsequent pressings. They are referred to as the “originals” that were purchased when the record first hit the charts.
- Pressings after the first can usually be identified by differences in the cover or the color of the label.
2
Identify the condition of the record. The condition of records are commonly determined by the Goldmine Standard. It ranges from very mint on the high end, to fair on the low end. The condition is judged on play grading and visual grading. There are professionals, both online and in music stores, who can assist in helping you grade the condition of your records if you’re not experienced.
- When determining the play grade of the record, listen to the record in its entirety, listening for needle wear, scratches, bubbles, or other defects in the vinyl.
- Use a lumen light source, such as natural sunlight or halogen lamps, to look for any visible defects to both the vinyl and sleeve.
- Avoid selling used copies with missing sleeves, that are noisy or scratched when played, or that have writing or tape on the sleeve or label. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
Once you’ve gone through your records and determined which albums you want to sell, make a list of the album title, band/artist name, and condition. ^{[5]
X
Research source} Also include important identifying information such as a rarity, first pressing, etc.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Determine a Fair Selling Price

Download Article

There are many online pricing guides which assist in providing a report on the current market-value of records of various grades or conditions. Use a database like iGuide which is maintained by Jon R. Warren, who has been a leading authority on collectibles since 1985. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
The buy-and-sell website eBay has an item price estimator feature that can help you find the price of a record based on the average selling price of the same or similar 45s on eBay. ^{[7]
X
Research source} Go to the seller center, log into your account, type your item’s name in the text field, and hit “look up”.
3
Take your records to an appraiser or collector. When searching for an appraiser or collector, look for someone who is certified by the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers. Appraisers charge either a flat rate or an hourly rate of anywhere from $200 to $400 based on their expertise. Upon completion, they will provide you with a written report detailing the records, the procedure used to value it, and it’s current value. ^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- To guarantee a fair price assessment, seek the opinion of an appraiser before taking an item to a local antique store or dealer. The appraiser has no conflict of interest since they are ethically unable to make an offer for purchase after appraising an item.
- Avoid an appraiser or collector who asks for a percentage of the item’s value versus an hourly rate or flat fee.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Create an Advertisement for Your Records

Download Article

1
Determine where you will sell your items. There are many places, both online and around your town, where you can sell your records. You can choose to sell each record individually, or as a collection. Some postings are free, while others will require a fee.
- Craigslist is probably the easiest and fastest way to sell your records. The ad is free, and you will typically get local responders within the same week. Craigslist allows some room for bargaining and trading.
- eBay allows you to list items in an auction style posting or for a “buy it now” price. It is free to post but additional posting features require fees. ^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- The Goldmine site allows you to post a free ad to sell all items at once to a single record dealer who utilizes the site as well. The site also allows single ad postings. ^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
This should include: album name, artist, full track listing, and label and number under which the record was released. Also detail the condition of the album, being sure to only use “mint” or “new” if the album has never been used. ^{[11]
X
Research source} Include any special identifying information such as a rarity or first press of the album.
3
Upload clear photos of the records. Using a good-quality, high digital camera, take photos of the front and back of the sleeve, as well as the album itself. Set the photos against a blank backdrop (such as a white sheet), and avoid using flash which can cause a reflection.
- Get as close as possible while taking the pictures to show as much detail as possible. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
This price should be based on your prior research of the item such as common eBay prices or appraisals. Allow some room for bargaining, particularly if you're selling on Craigslist which is known for haggling. Even if you opt for an auction site, you still have to include your minimum acceptance price.
Most sites will allow you to set your contact preferences such as personal email, email through the website (such as eBay), or phone. Ensure that interested buyers have an easy way to contact you to finalize sales and payment information.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I contact a dealer in old vinyl records who buys them for cash as soon as possible. Andrew kelly.

Community Answer

Check out Craigslist or eBay. If you have an antiques shop in your town, or one close by, stop there and ask them, as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
Question

Where can I sell old 45 vinyl records from the 50's?

Community Answer

Internet stores such as eBay, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. You can also try second-hand stores or antique stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

I have a collector's edition Elvis 1977-to-2002 four-video set. Is it worth something?

Community Answer

Yes, it's worth a lot if you can find a hardcore Elvis fan.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

You can also take your cataloged record list to your local record store to see if they have any interest in purchasing your records. Most only buy and sell current CDs, DVDs and LPs, but they can also provide information for other local dealers if they have no interest.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Set up a PayPal account so you can receive faster and safer online payments.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

When accepting payments, steer clear of personal checks. If you do accept them, wait at least 10 days for the check to clear the bank.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

Log in

How to Sell Old 45 Records from the 50s

Steps

Preparing Your Record Collection

Determine a Fair Selling Price

Create an Advertisement for Your Records

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories