Chances are your parents (or even grandparents!) have a copy of The Beatles’ iconic 1968 record nicknamed the “White Album” laying around the house somewhere. Over 19 million copies have sold over the years! But did you know that certain pressings of the White Album are worth way more than others? Let’s find out why…

In November 1968, The Beatles released a wild new double album simply titled The Beatles. It had no graphics or text on the plain white cover except for the band’s name subtly embossed, so fans dubbed it the “White Album.” Most copies looked identical at first glance.

But there were actually loads of tiny differences between pressings done at various factories. These small variations make particular White Albums extra valuable to serious Beatles collectors today!

What Is It Worth?

A typical White Album in decent shape sells for about $30-100 on eBay or at used record shops. Not bad!

But very first-edition copies printed in 1968 with super low serial numbers (etched in the run-out vinyl grooves) can sell for over $10,000 in mint condition! Whoa.

For example, Ringo Starr’s personal #0000001 copy raked in $790,000 at a 2015 auction. A UK version numbered 0000007 fetched £21,000 in 2024. Talk about a nice chunk of change for an old record!

So let’s explore what sets these big-money “White Albums” apart…

The Low Number Phenomenon

When hunting valuable vinyl records, collectors go crazy for ultra-low serial numbers usually stamped in the record’s trail-off area near the label.

This number shows exactly WHEN a specific disc got pressed at the manufacturing plant down to the very first few copies. Low numbers like 0000001 or 0000005 means that LP was one of the very first White Albums ever made!

Think of it like a limited edition sneaker drop. The very first Jordan 1’s to release are extra prized over ones that sat on shelves for months. Vinyl records work the same way.

Why Ringo’s Copy Is The “Holy Grail”

As mentioned earlier, Ringo Starr’s personal #0000001 White Album from his Fab Four days sold for nearly $800k in 2015 – the highest price ever paid for Beatles vinyl.

That’s right, the drummer himself owned the sought-after first copy! Talk about music history. No wonder why Ringo’s former album, full of signatures and notes from his bandmates, fetched such an astronomical sum.

Beatles experts consider Ringo’s White Album the “Holy Grail” of collectible vinyl, far outpacing any other copy. For context, the Mona Lisa painting is only estimated around $850 million!

Other Factors Boosting Value

Aside from serial numbers, other attributes make White Albums more bankable, like:

Mint Condition: No scuffs, marks, or signs of wear
Original Inserts: Posters, headshots, or lyics sheets
Misprints: Errors in text or graphics
Autographs: Signatures or personal notes
Sealed Copy: Never opened shrink wrap

Generally, having more of these high-grade traits means more money for sellers. But caveat emptor: condition is CRITICAL for prime value!

Should You Sell Yours?

Okay, let’s say you discover grandma’s old White Album hidden in the attic. Serial number 543219. Pretty low – should you cash in big time?!

Sadly, while six-digit copies are cool, they’re still fairly common and only sell for around $100. Nothing to scoff at, but you won’t be laying out a downpayment on a mansion either.

HOWEVER…if the vinyl, cover, and inserts are in fantastic shape, you could get maybe $500-1,000 from an enthusiastic collector. Not life changing money but enough for an epic shopping spree at the mall!

The Bottom Line

In the end, the White Album is worth more sentimentally than financially for most fans. Early pressings given as gifts or purchased during The Beatles’ heyday carry precious memories money can’t buy.

But now you know why certain White Album copies change hands for insane sums – thanks to minisculeserial numbers and fingerprints from pop music royalty like Ringo and the gang!