The Beatles (the “White Album”)(Parlophone UK album, 1968) – Ringo Starr’s personal copy (No. 0000001) was sold for $790,000 in December 2015, according to Rolling Stone. This is the highest price ever paid for an album that has been commercially released.

The Beatles’ “White Album” No. 0000001: The Most Valuable Record Ever Sold

In the pantheon of music history, few artifacts carry the mythic weight of The Beatles’ 1968 self-titled double LP—universally known as The White Album. But among the millions of copies pressed, one stands alone in both rarity and reverence: Copy No. 0000001, once owned by drummer Ringo Starr, which shattered records when it sold for $790,000at auction in December 2015.

This sale not only set a new benchmark for vinyl collectors but also underscored the enduring legacy of the Fab Four and the cultural gravity of physical music media.

A Minimalist Masterpiece

Released on November 22, 1968, The Beatles marked a stark departure from the psychedelic flamboyance of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The cover was a study in contrast: a plain white sleeve with the band’s name subtly embossed, devoid of artwork or color. Each original UK pressing was individually numbered, turning every copy into a unique collector’s item.

The minimalist design, conceived by artist Richard Hamilton, was a deliberate artistic statement. It stripped away the visual excess of the era and invited listeners to focus solely on the music—a sprawling, genre-defying collection of 30 tracks that ranged from acoustic ballads to avant-garde sound collages.

Ringo’s Copy: No. 0000001

While it’s long been rumored that the first four numbered copies were distributed among the band members, it was Ringo Starr’s copy—No. 0000001—that surfaced as the definitive first pressing. For decades, it remained tucked away in a London bank vault, untouched and preserved like a sacred relic.

In 2015, Starr and his wife Barbara Bach decided to auction off a trove of personal memorabilia to benefit their Lotus Foundation, a charity supporting social welfare causes. Among the items was this pristine copy of The White Album, which carried a pre-auction estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. But when the gavel fell, the final price stunned the world: $790,000, setting a new world record for the most expensive commercially released album ever sold.

Why This Album Matters

The astronomical price tag wasn’t just about scarcity—it was about provenance, symbolism, and sentiment. This wasn’t just any copy of The White Album; it was the first, owned by a Beatle, and tied to a record that defined a generation.

• Historical Value: As the first numbered pressing, it represents the genesis of a cultural artifact.
• Personal Connection: Ringo’s fingerprints were literally on the vinyl. “We used to play the vinyl in those days,” he told Rolling Stone. “We didn’t think, ‘We’ll keep it for 50 years and it will be in pristine condition.’”

 

Cultural Significance: The album itself is a sonic time capsule—raw, experimental, and deeply personal. It captures the Beatles at a crossroads, both creatively and interpersonally.

The Music Inside

Beyond the cover lies a kaleidoscope of sound. The White Album is a paradox: cohesive in its chaos, unified in its diversity. It includes:

• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – George Harrison’s haunting ballad, featuring Eric Clapton on lead guitar.
• “Blackbird” – Paul McCartney’s acoustic ode to civil rights.
• “Revolution 9” – A surreal sound collage that polarized fans and critics alike.
• “Don’t Pass Me By” – Ringo’s first solo composition on a Beatles album.

Each track is a window into the band’s evolving identities, both as individuals and as a collective.

The Collector’s Holy Grail

In the world of vinyl collecting, condition and rarity are everything. But provenance—the story behind the item—is what elevates a record from valuable to priceless. Ringo’s copy had it all:

• First pressing: No. 0000001, the earliest possible serial number.
• Band ownership: Directly from a member of The Beatles.
• Impeccable condition: Stored securely for decades.
• Charitable cause: Proceeds went to a philanthropic foundation.

It’s no surprise that this record became the ultimate trophy for collectors and Beatles aficionados alike.

A Record-Breaking Moment

Prior to this sale, the most expensive vinyl record ever sold was an acetate of Elvis Presley’s first recording, which fetched $305,000. Ringo’s White Album more than doubled that figure, setting a new standard for music memorabilia
The buyer remains anonymous, but the impact of the sale rippled through the music world. It reignited interest in physical media, reminded fans of the tactile joy of vinyl, and reaffirmed The Beatles’ place at the summit of pop culture.

Legacy Beyond the Label

More than five decades after its release, The White Album continues to inspire artists, scholars, and fans. Its influence can be heard in genres as diverse as indie rock, hip-hop, and experimental electronica. Its themes—alienation, love, revolution, introspection—remain as relevant today as they were in 1968.

And now, thanks to Ringo’s generosity and the passion of collectors, its legacy includes a new chapter: one where music history and philanthropy intersect.

Final Thoughts

The sale of The Beatles No. 0000001 isn’t just a story about a record—it’s a story about memory, meaning, and the magic of music. It’s a reminder that even in a digital age, there’s something profoundly human about holding a piece of history in your hands.

As Ringo himself might say, peace and love—and maybe a little vinyl crackle—go a long way.

The Beatles – The Beatles (the “White Album”)(Parlophone UK album, 1968) – Ringo Starr’s personal copy (No. 0000001) was sold for $790,000 in December 2015, according to Rolling Stone. This is the highest price ever paid for an album that has been commercially released.