Cassette tapes, once thought to be a relic of the past, have experienced a resurgence among collectors, with some even reaching eye-watering prices.
Despite the prevalence of digital streaming, tapes have become highly sought after, particularly for their nostalgic value, unique packaging, and rarity. Whether it’s a demo from an emerging band, a limited-edition release, or an obscure treasure from a famous artist, cassettes continue to attract collectors willing to pay top dollar for that perfect addition to their collection.
Here, we’ve compiled the top 13 most expensive cassettes ever sold on Discogs. While these particular cassettes might not be readily available today, collectors can still add them to their Wantlists on Discogs for the chance to snag them when they resurface.
If you’re interested in the entire list, including some very obscure releases, you can read about all 25 on Discogs’ website.
5. Ghost - Ghost (2009)
This debut cassette from Swedish rock band Ghost, known for their theatrical and occult-inspired performances, was an early introduction to their unique sound blending heavy metal with a distinct, eerie atmosphere. It last sold on Discogs for £1,698.73. | Getty/Discogs
6. Buck 65 - Year Zero (1996)
Year Zero by Buck 65 is a fusion of hip-hop, folk, and experimental sounds. The rare cassette is treasured by fans for its genre-blending style and Buck 65’s distinctive lyrical voice and last sold for £1,341.85. | Getty/Discogs
7. Boards of Canada - Boc Maxima (1996)
Boc Maxima is a mixtape from the influential electronic duo Boards of Canada that last sold on Discogs for £1,283.02. Highly coveted by collectors, it contains rare, unreleased tracks that have helped solidify their legacy in ambient and IDM music. | Warp/Discogs
8. Various Artist - De La Viande Pour Le Disco
This experimental release, known for its eclectic mix of genres, combines quirky soundscapes with the unexpected, making it a standout for collectors of rare and obscure music. Featuring the likes of God Is My Co-Pilot (pictured), a copy of the tape last sold for £1,250.89. | Getty Images/Discogs