Expert: Pattie - 12/14/2008

Question
Hi, Can you tell me if you think the Beatles White Album with serial number A2236928 is worth anything.  I know it's worth some money but approx. how much?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Janet!

Well, I wish I could give you a definitive answer to that question. The only thing I can tell by that serial number is that it was a US released copy and which of three companies printed the cover (in your case, a company called 'Queens Litho' printed it). The value would be determined by the condition of the discs (both the vinyl and the labels), the cover and the inserts. Currently an original US pressing (with the embossed cover and serial number in the lower right corner)of "The Beatles" with both discs, the cover, the 4 photos and the poster in perfect shape sells for roughly $100-$125 on the open market. Most reputable dealers would sell it somewhere in that price range. I have seen some copies online for outrageous prices, but that is NOT the norm, and they rarely, if ever get that kind of money for them. Generally speaking, you'd have to have a serial number under 50,000 to really raise the price, or perhaps have a copy that was still sealed. A couple of weeks ago, there was an eBay auction for a copy, serial number 0000005 that sold for £19,201.00 (about $28,685.47 US), but that copy was actually owned by John Lennon and he himself had given it to someone, who gave it to someone else, etc. Because of that auction, along with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of it's release, the value has raised slightly higher, so you may even get a little more.

If you have no sentimental value attached to it and it's in mint condition, you may want to consider selling it on eBay. You could also take it to a local used/collectible record store, but they will never give you what it's worth because they need to make a profit with it. Good luck and I really hope this helped. Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)