13 Cassette Tapes That Are Worth a Small Fortune
13 Cassette Tapes That Are Worth a Small Fortune
Meredith SchneiderTue, March 17, 2026 at 4:02 PM UTC
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Inflation is difficult to deal with, and making sure you have a good amount of pocket change can be a project in itself. Nowadays, it seems everyone is trying to monetize their hobbies to keep up.
Side hustles that work with a full-time job include sourcing and selling collector's items — including cassette tapes. Whether you have a collection gathering dust in the attic or spy some hidden treasures at the thrift stores, check out 13 cassette tapes worth a small fortune.
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1. The Black Album, Prince
Like the majority of Prince's original works, "The Black Album" was never officially released to the public. Set to release in 1987, Prince pulled this tape from production specifically because he had experienced a spiritual experience that encouraged him to do so.
A small unknown number of copies was leaked, so the original run of cassettes is worth close to $5,000 each. In 2017, a 1987 promo cassette sold for a whopping $8,750.
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2. Licensed to Ill (First Edition), The Beastie Boys
Released in 1986 to fanfare and critical acclaim, the cassette's original run is hard to find now.
If you have a factory-sealed copy, you could get up to $1,500 for it. Brand-new copies can cost $450, and used options, depending on condition, can cost between $25 and $50.
3. Deftones, Deftones
Deftones only had 15 copies of their first, self-titled release made on cassette. These copies had their first manager's phone number on the jackets, a notable concept, alongside the fact that each side of the cassette holds the same four songs.
In 2024, one copy of this 1992 release was sold for $5,000.
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4. Ten, Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam's 1991 studio album features fan favorites like "Porch," "Even Flow," and "Black" among eight other gems. While a sealed, first-pressing version of this cassette has been listed and sold for as much as $4,000, copies in new condition often sell for $400 to $700.
The most expensive option currently on eBay is $663.80.
5. Illmatic, Nas
Nas' "Illmatic" album, which features a childhood photo of the artist, is highly regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time.
If you happen to have a sealed cassette, you could score up to $900, though the most recent highest-sold went for just over $305. Even used copies go for around $100.
6. The Versace Experience - Prelude 2 Gold, Prince
In 1995, this rare promotional cassette by Prince was passed out at Versace's Paris Fashion Week show.
While it had no original value or investment, one copy has gone for as much as $4,011 in recent years.
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7. Adult Diversion, Alvvays
A newer release that is worth quite a bit of money is 2013's single cassette for Alvvays' "Adult Diversion." This cassette was an independent release that came out before they signed to Polyvinyl, so there weren't very many copies created and sold.
The most expensive one sold for $3,423.36.
8. Nevermind, Nirvana
In 1991, Nirvana released the instant cult classic "Nevermind", never knowing that it – and its accompanying cover – would live on in such infamy.
Sealed copies of the cassettes have sold for as much as $1,500 on eBay, but you can still make a reasonable amount on used versions.
9. Infinite, Eminem
While a signed, sealed vinyl copy of Eminem's "Infinite" album could score you enough to buy an SUV, an original run cassette could also make you quite a pretty penny.
A set that includes a collector's re-issue (copy #9 of 100) and a 2018 Slim Shady EP cassette is currently being sold online for $2,000.
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10. Phish, Phish
Phish fans were waiting with bated breath to see this lively jam band on the list. Their 1987 self-titled cassette is worth hundreds of dollars depending on its condition —a copy in very good condition went for $1,200 in 2024.
11. Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson
The original demo tape of Michael Jackson's hit single "Man in the Mirror" is highly sought after by collectors. As the King of Pop, any of his cassettes will garner you some sort of return — especially the rarities.
While you may never lay your eyes on it, this one is estimated to be worth between $30,000 and $50,000.
12. Xero, Xero
Linkin Park's original band name was Xero, and they self-released a self-titled full-length demo years ago that's now worth thousands of dollars.
Because it's rare and the band no longer exists – with its original lineup or name – it has sold for as much as $4,500.
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13. The Man Who Sold The World, David Bowie
David Bowie's elevated, jewel-toned photograph adorns the front of his 1970 full-length "The Man Who Sold The World". This album is rare, and collectors keep a beady eye out for it.
The U.K. version of this release is known to go for around $200 in decent condition.
Bottom line
You can make cash on the side from home by going through your old albums and cassettes to find diamonds in the rough.
If you'd like to make a hobby of it, begin to scope out local thrift shops, secondhand stores, and estate sales for valuable tapes.
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