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.
13. The Smashing Pumpkins - The Smashing Pumpkins (1989)
A demo tape from the Smashing Pumpkins before they hit mainstream success, this early recording represents the band’s formative years and is a prized item for fans of alternative rock’s '90s heyday. Much like the Nirvana tape, it too sold for £974.51. | Getty/Discogs