As the owner of Glitter Records, I look at rare vinyl trends each month across Discogs, eBay, and Omega Auctions. By sharing my observations on the top ten sales from each of these platforms, I hope to enrich our understanding of musical culture as well as rare records and the people who buy them. Monitoring these trends reveals fascinating insights into the deeper psychology of collecting.
Rarest Records In The World Sold Between August and November 2024
Before we start let’s take a quick look at the top ten sales overall.
1. Soft Sexy Soul – Susan Phillips (1971): A$32,000
2. The Beatles Fully Signed Copy of Please Please Me: A$19,600
3. ‘McCartney’ Beatles Love Me Do 7″ Original UK Demo: A$19,600
4. The Beatles Fully Signed Copy of Love Me Do: A$13,720
5. Leaf Hound – Growers of Mushroom LP (1971): A$12,155.36
6. Eddie Parker – I’m Gone (Vinyl, 7″, 1966): A$11,548
7. The Rolling Stones – Secretarial Signed Limited Edition ‘Radio Promotion’ LP: A$11,310
8. Romona Collins – You’ve Been Cheating 7″ (1970): A$11,769.87
9. Claude François – Très RARE édition étrangère cassette audio album (1971): A$10,771
10. Billy Nicholls – Would You Believe LP: A$10,422
Monthly Sales Totals
Here’s a breakdown of the total sales from the top ten rare records on eBay, Discogs and Omega Auctions each month:
- August 2024: $156,625 AUD
- September 2024: $178,149 AUD
- October 2024: $389,794 AUD
- November 2024: $149,365 AUD
Key Observations
Overall, 120 rare sound recordings, predominantly vinyl albums and singles, amounted to $855,933 in sales. August sales from the top ten rare records on eBay, Discogs and Omega Auctions, 30 in total, amounted to $156,625.18 AUD. September saw a modest increase to $178,149, reflecting heightened interest. October experienced a dramatic surge with sales totalling $389,794, likely driven by the emergence of a large number of extraordinary records such as Omega Auctions autographed Beatles records. November sales dipped by more than half to $149,365.
The Nature of the Rare Record Market
Tracking sales across these platforms offers valuable insights into the fluctuations of the rare vinyl market. From August to November 2024, we witnessed its cyclical nature. Steady interest early in the months, followed by an explosive surge and then a sharp drop. As a record store owner, I can agree that sales of rarer recordings can be difficult to predict. However, I must confess that this also adds to the excitement. Monthly swings in customer demand are also a fact of life. But to quote a Duke Ellington jazz classic, “It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing.”
Comparing Vinyl Trends to Broader Market Cycles
Like the stock market, I suspect the rare vinyl market mirrors broader economic trends, such as consumer sentiment, disposable income, and buyer confidence. For example, the surge in rare vinyl sales in October 2024, driven by seasonal factors and a high-profile auction, mirrors the volatility often seen in the stock market. Both markets tend to see boosts during periods of heightened consumer enthusiasm, like the approach to holidays. The downturn in November, following October’s spike, is a common occurrence in both markets, as collectors and investors take a step back before the end-of-year adjustments or holiday expenses.
Conclusion
Long-term monitoring of these trends will offer clearer insights into patterns, such as seasonal influences or shifts in collector behaviour. By observing price trajectories over several months or years, we can determine whether these trends reflect a broader upward or downward movement, which can inform our investment decisions and collecting philosophies.