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As in postage stamps, a mis-print or mistake can make a record collectible. An example would be the top-10 hit, “Helen Wheels,” by Paul McCartney. Released on Apple Records in 1973, a correctly printed copy of the 45 is no more than $10.00, but a copy omitting the printing on the label can get you $350.00 today. Both versions are shown here.

In December 1961 the Marvelettes hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Please Mr. Postman,” making the girl-group the first Motown artists to reach the coveted spot on the charts. Then, to take advantage of the most popular dance craze of the day, the Marvelettes followed up with “Twistin’ Postman.” Released on Tamla Records in 1962, a copy of the single with picture sleeve can get you $100.00 today.

Jane Mansfield was almost as popular and famous as Marilyn Monroe when it came to Hollywood sex symbols and blonde bombshells. When Jane’s film career began to decline she found new popularity in nightclubs. In 1961, 20th Century Fox released “Jane Busts Up Las Vegas.” Her beauty was also featured on album covers for other recording artists such as “Music For Bachelors” by Henri Rene for RCA in 1955. Both albums, as shown here, can get you $100.00 today.

Joe Hill Louis was a session musician for Sam Phillips at Sun Records in the years that pre-dated Elvis. Louis was literally a one-man band who could play guitar and drums simultaneously. He is credited with recording the first record that Sam Phillips produced. Released in 1950 on Sam Phillips’ label, It’s The Phillips, “Gotta Let You Go” by Joe Hill Louis can get you $6,000.00 today.

Much of the Surf music of the sixties is collectible, not only by the best known recording artists such as the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, the Astronauts, and Dick Dale but also some lesser known bands like the Lively Ones. Their 1963 single, “Surf Rider,” can now sell for $75.00. Their 1963 album, “Surf Rider,” released on Del-Fi Records, can get you $200.00 today.

Peggy Lee was a towering figure among American Jazz singers. Along with Ertha Kitt, Lee developed a sultry purr sound to her voice. Her big break came when Benny Goodman made her a “girl singer” with his band. Best known for hits like “Fever” and “Is That All There Is,” she recorded mostly for Capitol Records. But in 1953 she recorded one of her best received albums for Decca called “Black Coffee.” In 1957 it was re issued with a different cover. Either version can get you $200.00 today.

“Kiss And Say Goodbye” by the Manhattans spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. First formed in 1964, the Manhattans can’t be considered an over-night success. However, their one giant hit will live for a long time. It’s an oddity because there is a “G-rated” version and an “X-rated” version. Released on Columbia Records the more common copy heard on top-40 radio is worth no more than $10.00 but the version with “X-rated” printed on the label, as seen on the right in white, is worth up to $400.00 today.

In the amazing career of Elvis Presley, the king had numerous two-sided hits such as “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” released on RCA in 1956. In 1957, RCA issued the double-sided hit, “Playing For Keeps” with “Too Much” on the flip side. Elvis introduced the hits on the Ed Sullivan Show in January of 1957. A copy of the 45 with picture sleeve can get you $150.00 today.

There is no bigger name in Country music than Loretta Lynn. She recorded her first single, “Honky Tonk Girl,” in 1960. An original copy on Zero Records can now sell for $250.00. She would go on to have 16 number-one hits including “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” The coal miners’ daughter was someone of a Country music feminist with records like “The Pill.” In 1963 Decca Records released her first album, “Loretta Lynn Sings.” A copy can get you $100.00 today.

Frank Luther began his career in Country music in the mid-1920’s. His own radio show, “Hillbilly Heart-throbs,” debuted on NBC radio in 1933. But his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is for his contributions to children’s records like “Mickey Mouse and Minnie’s In Town.” Released as a picture disc on Victor records in 1934, a copy can get you $750.00 today.“Mickey Mouse and Minnie’s in Town” is just one of the picture discs you’ll find listed on our Picture Discs Price Guide on a flash drive. It’s available in the left hand column.