Queen's News Of The World Album: What's It Worth?

Nov 7, 2025 by SLV Team 50 views

Hey music lovers! Ever wondered about the value of your Queen albums? Specifically, we're diving deep into the worth of News of the World, that iconic album with hits like "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions." If you're a collector, a casual fan, or just curious, you've come to the right place. Let's explore the factors that determine the price of this rock masterpiece and help you figure out what your copy might be worth.

Factors Influencing the Value of News of the World

So, you're probably thinking, "Okay, great, but how do we figure out what this album is actually worth?" Good question! It's not as simple as just looking at the original price tag. Several things come into play, and we're going to break them down step by step. Think of it like a treasure hunt – understanding these factors is the key to unlocking the value of your News of the World album.

1. Condition of the Album

First and foremost, the condition is king. Think about it: a pristine, unopened copy is going to fetch a lot more than one that's been played on repeat for decades and has scratches all over the vinyl. Record collectors are notoriously picky (in the best way!), and they're willing to pay a premium for albums that look like they've just rolled off the printing press.

Mint (M): This is the holy grail. The album is practically perfect – maybe still sealed in its original packaging. It looks like it just came from the store. If you have a News of the World album in mint condition, you're sitting on something special.
Near Mint (NM): Just a tiny step down from mint. The album might have been played once or twice, but it's been handled with extreme care. There are no visible defects, and the cover is almost perfect.
Excellent (EX): Still in great shape, but it might have a few very minor imperfections, like a light scratch or a slight crease on the cover. This is still a highly desirable condition for collectors.
Very Good Plus (VG+): This is where we start to see more noticeable wear and tear. The vinyl might have some light surface scratches, but it should still play well. The cover might have some ring wear (a circular mark from the record inside) or minor creases.
Very Good (VG): The album has been played and enjoyed, and it shows. There will be more prominent scratches, and the cover might have tears, writing, or significant wear. While still playable, the value is significantly lower than higher grades.
Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P): These albums are in rough shape. They might have significant damage, skip during playback, or have covers that are falling apart. These copies have very little value to collectors unless they are exceptionally rare pressings.

So, take a close look at your copy of News of the World. How does it stack up? Be honest with yourself – a realistic assessment of the condition is the first step in determining its value.

2. Rarity and Pressing

Okay, so the condition is crucial, but the rarity of your specific pressing is the next big piece of the puzzle. Not all copies of News of the World are created equal. Certain pressings, especially those from the original release or limited editions, are much more sought after by collectors.

First Pressings: The very first copies off the presses are often the most valuable. These will have specific markings on the label and runout groove (the blank space at the end of the record) that identify them as early editions. Identifying a first pressing can be tricky, so do your research! Websites like Discogs (more on that later) are your best friend here.
Limited Editions and Special Releases: Throughout the years, there have been various limited edition releases of News of the World, such as colored vinyl pressings, picture discs, or versions with bonus tracks. These tend to be more valuable simply because fewer of them exist.
Country of Origin: The country where the album was pressed can also affect its value. For example, a UK first pressing is often more desirable than a US pressing. This is because the UK was the band's home territory, and those early pressings are seen as more authentic.
Promotional Copies: Sometimes, record labels would send out promotional copies of albums to radio stations and reviewers. These often have unique markings or labels, and they can be quite valuable to collectors.

To figure out the rarity of your News of the World album, you'll need to look closely at the label, the runout groove, and the cover. Compare these details to information available online and in record collecting guides. The more you know about your specific pressing, the better you can assess its value.

3. The Presence of Inserts and Original Packaging

Think of your News of the World album as a complete package. It's not just the vinyl itself; it's also everything that came with it originally. The presence of inserts and original packaging can significantly increase the value, especially for serious collectors.

Original Inner Sleeve: Many albums came with a custom inner sleeve, often featuring artwork, lyrics, or band photos. Having the original inner sleeve in good condition adds to the album's desirability.
Posters and Other Inserts: Some pressings of News of the World included posters, booklets, or other promotional items. If your copy still has these inserts, you're in luck! They can add a substantial amount to the value.
Original Shrink Wrap: Believe it or not, some collectors highly value albums that are still sealed in their original shrink wrap. This is especially true for mint condition copies. The shrink wrap protects the cover and signifies that the album has never been played.
Hype Stickers: Those little stickers on the cover that highlight hit songs or special features? They might seem insignificant, but they can actually add to the value, especially if they're intact and in good condition.

Basically, the more complete your copy of News of the World is, the better. Collectors want to experience the album as it was originally intended, so having all the original components is a big plus.

4. Market Demand and Historical Significance

Okay, we've talked about the physical aspects of the album, but let's zoom out a bit and consider the bigger picture. Market demand and historical significance play a massive role in determining the value of any collectible, and News of the World is no exception.

Queen's Enduring Popularity: Let's face it, Queen is one of the biggest rock bands of all time. Their music is timeless, and they have a massive global fanbase. This sustained popularity means there's always a strong demand for their albums, including News of the World.
Iconic Status of the Album: News of the World isn't just another Queen album; it's a landmark record. It features some of their most famous songs ("We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions"), and its iconic album art (that killer robot!) is instantly recognizable. This makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
Trends in Vinyl Collecting: Vinyl records have made a huge comeback in recent years, and the demand for classic albums is higher than ever. This resurgence in vinyl collecting has driven up prices for many records, including those by Queen.
Current Market Conditions: The value of collectibles can fluctuate based on economic conditions and other factors. Keep an eye on the market and see what other copies of News of the World are selling for. This will give you a good sense of the current demand.

In short, the fact that Queen is legendary and News of the World is an iconic album works in your favor. The strong demand for this record helps to keep its value high.

How to Determine the Value of Your News of the World Album

Alright, guys, we've covered the key factors that influence the value of News of the World. Now, let's get down to brass tacks: how do you actually figure out what your copy is worth? Don't worry; it's not rocket science. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your quest.

Step 1: Identify Your Specific Pressing

This is crucial! You need to know exactly which version of News of the World you have. As we discussed earlier, different pressings have different values. Here's what to look for:

Label Information: Note the record label (e.g., Elektra, EMI) and any catalog numbers printed on the label. This information is key to identifying your pressing.
Runout Groove Markings: The runout groove is the blank space at the end of the record. It often has etched or stamped markings that indicate the pressing plant and other details. These markings are like a secret code for record collectors!
Cover Details: Pay attention to any unique features on the cover, such as promotional stamps, stickers, or variations in the artwork.

Step 2: Research on Discogs

Discogs is your new best friend. This is a massive online database of music releases, and it's an invaluable resource for record collectors. Here's how to use it:

Go to the Discogs website (www.discogs.com).
Search for "News of the World Queen."
You'll see a list of different releases. This is where those label and runout groove details come in handy! Compare the information from your album to the listings on Discogs.
Once you've found the exact pressing you have, you can see its sales history. Discogs shows you what other copies of that pressing have sold for recently. This is a huge help in determining the market value.

Step 3: Check Other Online Marketplaces

Discogs is a great starting point, but it's always a good idea to get a broader picture of the market. Check out other online marketplaces like:

eBay: Search for your specific pressing of News of the World on eBay. Look at completed listings to see what people have actually paid for the album, not just the asking prices.
Popsike: Popsike (www.popsike.com) is a search engine that specializes in auction results for rare records. It can be a useful tool for finding information on high-value pressings.

Step 4: Consider Professional Appraisals

If you have a particularly rare or valuable copy of News of the World, or if you're just not sure how to assess its value, you might want to consider getting a professional appraisal. There are experts who specialize in valuing records, and they can give you an accurate assessment.

Record Stores: Some record stores have staff who are knowledgeable about vintage vinyl and can provide appraisals.
Auction Houses: If you're thinking of selling your album at auction, the auction house will typically provide an appraisal as part of the process.

What are Some Valuable Pressings of News of the World?

Okay, let's get specific! While the value of any album can fluctuate, there are some News of the World pressings that consistently fetch higher prices. Knowing about these can help you identify a potential treasure in your collection.

UK First Pressing (1977): As we mentioned earlier, UK first pressings are highly desirable. Look for the EMI label and specific matrix numbers in the runout groove. These can sell for hundreds of dollars in excellent condition.
Japanese Pressings: Japanese pressings are known for their high-quality vinyl and often come with unique inserts and obi strips (a paper band around the spine). A News of the World Japanese pressing in mint condition can be quite valuable.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Pressings: MFSL is a company known for producing audiophile-quality reissues of classic albums. Their pressing of News of the World is highly sought after by audiophiles and collectors alike.
Colored Vinyl Pressings: Any colored vinyl pressing of News of the World is likely to be more valuable than a standard black vinyl copy, especially if it was a limited edition.

Keep in mind that rarity and condition are key factors here. Even a relatively common pressing can be valuable if it's in mint condition.

Tips for Preserving the Value of Your Album

So, you've determined that your News of the World album is worth something – that's awesome! Now, how do you make sure it stays valuable? Proper care and storage are essential. Here are some tips to keep your album in tip-top shape:

Store Your Albums Vertically: Stacking records horizontally can cause them to warp over time. Always store them upright in a sturdy shelf or record crate.
Use Outer Sleeves: Protect your album covers from dust, scratches, and wear by storing them in outer sleeves. These are inexpensive and can make a big difference.
Use Inner Sleeves: If your album doesn't have an inner sleeve, or if the original one is damaged, replace it with a new one. Acid-free inner sleeves are best, as they won't damage the vinyl.
Handle with Care: When handling your albums, always hold them by the edges to avoid getting fingerprints on the playing surface.
Clean Your Records Regularly: Dust and dirt can damage your vinyl and affect the sound quality. Use a record cleaning brush to remove dust before each play. For deeper cleaning, you can use a record cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth.
Keep Away from Heat and Sunlight: Heat can warp records, and sunlight can fade album covers. Store your albums in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion: Rock On with Your Queen Album!

Alright, guys, we've reached the end of our deep dive into the value of News of the World. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the factors that influence its worth and how to assess your own copy. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just a casual fan, remember that these albums are more than just pieces of plastic; they're pieces of music history. So, rock on with your Queen album, and enjoy the music!