Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Vinyl Record Value Guide

This vinyl record captures the legendary 1938 Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast that famously incited mass panic across the United States. It remains a highly collectible artifact of media history, showcasing Orson Welles' innovative use of realistic news bulletins to simulate a Martian invasion.

What Is Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Vinyl Record Worth?

The typical price range for Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Vinyl Record is $18 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the vinyl, specifically the absence of deep scratches that affect the playback of the historical audio.
• The state of the cardboard jacket, with higher values assigned to copies lacking ring wear, seam splits, or ink markings.
• The presence of original inner sleeves or any included historical liner notes about the 1938 panic.
• Market demand for mid-century pressings compared to more modern, digitally-remastered re-releases.

How to Identify Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Vinyl Record?

• Check for the Mercury Theatre on the Air branding and Orson Welles' name prominently displayed on the cardboard sleeve.
• Verify the era of the pressing, as most collectible versions were produced in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Look for specific label catalog numbers from labels like Evolution or Longines Symphonette that specialized in historical radio reissues.
• Ensure the tracklist includes the full uninterrupted radio play rather than just highlights or commentary.

History of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Vinyl Record

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'. The realistic news bulletin format caused widespread panic among listeners who believed an actual alien invasion was occurring. This broadcast is a landmark in radio history, demonstrating the power of media and Orson Welles' genius.