Reggae and ska have produced some of the most sought-after vinyl in the world — Jamaican originals pressed in tiny quantities, UK label debuts withdrawn almost immediately, and Studio One classics that defined an entire culture. From the earliest ska shuffles to the roots and culture era, these are the 20 most valuable and collectable reggae and ska singles from 1960 to 1985.
1. The Skatalites – "Guns of Navarone" (Studio One, 1965)
The definitive ska instrumental and one of the most recognisable Jamaican singles ever pressed. Original Studio One pressings — particularly those with the earliest label variants — are extraordinarily rare and command serious money from collectors worldwide.
2. Bob Marley & The Wailers – "Simmer Down" (Studio One, 1964)
The Wailers' debut single, recorded when Marley was just 19. Original Studio One pressings are among the most valuable Jamaican singles in existence — a genuine copy in excellent condition is a once-in-a-lifetime find.
3. Toots & The Maytals – "Do the Reggay" (Pyramid, 1968)
The single widely credited with coining the word "reggae". Original UK Pyramid pressings are scarce and historically significant — a must for any serious collection.
4. Desmond Dekker – "007 (Shanty Town)" (Pyramid, 1967)
One of the first Jamaican records to chart in the UK. Original Pyramid pressings in picture sleeve are increasingly hard to find and rising steadily in value.
5. Prince Buster – "Al Capone" (Blue Beat, 1965)
The blueprint for rude boy ska. Original UK Blue Beat pressings — the label that gave the genre one of its earliest names — are highly collectable, particularly in VG+ condition.
6. Lee "Scratch" Perry – "People Funny Boy" (Upsetter, 1968)
Often cited as one of the first true reggae records, and the founding release on Perry's own Upsetter label. Jamaican originals are extraordinarily rare; early UK pressings are nearly as scarce.
7. The Wailers – "Trench Town Rock" (Tuff Gong, 1971)
One of the earliest releases on Bob Marley's own Tuff Gong label, pressed in Jamaica in very limited quantities. Authentic originals are among the most prized Marley artefacts outside of albums.
8. Burning Spear – "Joe Frazier (He Prayed)" (Studio One, 1972)
Burning Spear's debut single on Studio One is a roots reggae landmark. Original pressings are scarce and the label's catalogue is increasingly sought after by serious collectors.
9. Junior Murvin – "Police & Thieves" (Island, 1976)
Produced by Lee Perry and later covered by The Clash, the original Island pressing — particularly the promo — is a crossover collectable prized by both reggae and punk collectors.
10. Culture – "Two Sevens Clash" (Joe Gibbs, 1977)
One of the defining roots reggae singles of the 1970s. Original Joe Gibbs pressings from Jamaica are rare; early UK pressings are highly sought after and climbing in value.
11. Augustus Pablo – "Java" (Aquarius, 1972)
The melodica instrumental that defined roots dub. Original Jamaican pressings are extraordinarily rare — most collectors settle for early UK reissues, which are themselves increasingly scarce.
12. The Ethiopians – "Train to Skaville" (Rio, 1967)
A classic late-ska single on the UK Rio label. Original pressings in good condition are hard to find and represent excellent value for collectors building a ska foundation.
13. Max Romeo – "Wet Dream" (Unity, 1968)
Banned by the BBC but a massive UK hit regardless. Original Unity pressings are increasingly collectable — both for their musical and cultural notoriety.
14. Horace Andy – "Skylarking" (Studio One, 1972)
One of Studio One's most beloved singles. Original pressings are scarce and the track's enduring influence — later sampled by Massive Attack — has only increased collector interest.
15. Big Youth – "S.90 Skank" (Randys, 1972)
One of the earliest and most important DJ/toasting singles. Original Randys pressings from Jamaica are extremely rare and foundational to any serious reggae collection.
16. The Maytones – "Funny Man" (GG's, 1971)
A sought-after early reggae single on the GG's label. Jamaican originals are scarce and the label's output is increasingly recognised as some of the finest of the era.
17. Gregory Isaacs – "My Only Lover" (African Museum, 1975)
An early Gregory Isaacs single on his own African Museum imprint. Original pressings are rare and his early catalogue is among the most collectable in lovers rock and roots reggae.
18. Steel Pulse – "Ku Klux Klan" (Island, 1978)
The debut single from Birmingham's Steel Pulse on Island Records. Original UK pressings — especially promos — are collectable and represent a landmark moment for British reggae.
19. Aswad – "Back to Africa" (Grove Music, 1976)
The debut single from one of the UK's most important reggae acts, on their own Grove Music imprint. Original pressings are scarce and rising steadily in collector value.
20. Black Uhuru – "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (Third World, 1977)
Produced by Sly & Robbie, this early Black Uhuru single is a roots reggae essential. Original Third World pressings are rare and the band's early catalogue is seriously undervalued by the market.
Jamaican originals will almost always outperform UK pressings, and UK pressings will outperform later reissues — but condition is everything. A well-preserved copy of any of the above is a genuine piece of musical history. Keep digging.
Looking to start or grow your collection? Browse our Reggae & Ska section for original pressings and quality reissues.