Elvis Presley Died 36 Years Ago, but His Records Could Make You Lots Of Money Today

It was 36 years ago today (08-16-1977) that Elvis Presley died. The "King of Rock and Roll" was just 42 when he passed away at Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tennessee. Since his death, the Presley estate has been a moneymaker for his surviving family members and the company that owns Graceland.

In 2012, Elvis (his recordings, merchandise, and various image and video rights) earned an estimated $60 million.

Image: Ebay.com

But you don't have to be a Presley family member to "cash in on the King." In fact, you might have some very valuable Elvis Presley records lurking in your garage, basement or attic. Or you might discover Elvis gold at a yard sale or flea market. One of the smallest pieces of Presley vinyl is also considered to be one of the most valuable.

This "Good Luck Charm" is worth its weight in gold!

According to vinyl record expert John Marshall (Mighty John the Record Guy), there are some very valuable Elvis records (both albums and 45s) that might pay off handsomely if you can find them in the right condition.

Here's Mighty John's Top 10 Countdown of Valuable Elvis Vinyl

10. 1977 LP- Moody Blue - (white, gold, green, red or yellow vinyl)....$1,000.00

9. 1968 LP- Elvis Gold Records Vol. 4 (mono)…………………………$2,000.00

8. 1954 45- That’s All Right........................................................$2,000.00

7. 1973 LP-Aloha from Hawaii (w/Chicken of Sea sticker on cover)....$3,500.00

6. 1968 LP- Speedway (mono)……………………………………………  $4,000.00

5. 1956 EP-Most Talked about New Personality (2 records)……....$6,000.00

4. 1959 EP- King Creole (maroon label)........................................$7,500.00

3. 1961 7inch 33- Can’t Help Falling in Love w/ps………….……… $16,000.00

2. 1957 LP- Elvis Christmas Album (red vinyl)…………………..…….$18,000.00

And, coming in at #1 in terms of valuable vinyl;

Image: MoneyMusc.com

1. 1962 7 inch 33-Good Luck Charm w/ps…………………...……….$24,000.00

Note: #3 and #1 are not 45s but 7 inch 33s, which means they are the same size as a 45 but play at 33 1/3 (the speed of an album).  w/ps = with picture sleeve

While searching for pictures of the various discs on this list, we noted just how rare some of the albums really are. Take for example, #7 - Aloha from Hawaii (with the Chicken of the Sea sticker). It's valued here at $3,500. The popular auction website Ebay has over 200 copies of this album for sale, most in the $200-$500. Why are those prices so much lower? None had the crucial Chicken of the Sea sticker!

You can also find examples of the #2 most valuable Presley record on Ebay - 1957's Elvis Christmas Album, but you won't find any that are pressed on the coveted red vinyl. Therein lies the key to cashing in - finding the rarest of the rare, and in the best condition. Additionally, some of Presley's more collectible discs were also re-released years later. The 1957 Christmas album is a prime example. There are subtle differences in the cover artwork that help identify the original.

To learn more about valuable vinyl records, visit Mighty John's website: www.MoneyMusic.com

The collection of 82 Presley albums in the large photo above is for sale on Ebay. (Owner says they come from a "smoke-free, pet-free" home and are all in good to mint condition.)

Follow Mike Opelka on Twitter - @stuntbrain

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