So I just received the first numbered copy of the Sapphire Edition of the Dave Brubeck Quartet (Live at the Kurhaus 1967) from The Lost Recordings.  This is a limited edition release with only 4000 copies produced.  

Here is a link to the album....  

https://thelostrecordings.store/en/products/dave-brubeck-quartet-live-at-the-kur...

So now I have a dilemma on what to do with the album.  I am going to the Decware community for some input.  Please take a vote on this poll on what you would do if you were put in my situation.  

My first thought is to leave it intact as a future investment and just buy another one to play.  

I've never ran a poll on this site, but I figured that this would be a great way to get some feedback and to keep the community engaged.

I would echo what James said. I would consider myself a collector and have a fairly large collection. Many of the pressings in my collection are NM first pressings, special German or Japanese pressing, when those were the sought after copy, or special limited audiophile copies or UHQR/One Steps. I always purchased those based on what was considered the best sounding and in best condition, to have the best and cleanest copy to listen to. A side note is that they are often the ones people pay more for, especially when they go out of print. If at some point I wanted to thin the herd and put some up for sale, I’d hope I could recoup some or even more than what I invested, but I don’t purchase with that mindset, anymore. Also, low numbers don’t mean anything to me. It’s all about the sound quality. Since the low numbers don’t typically mean it was the first copy off the stamper, it doesn’t really matter to me.

All that said, I think this is a whole different situation, with one numbered 001. There are people who may be a little more over the top about having a low number limited edition and pay a lot for one marked 001. I wouldn’t hold it for future investment though. I would list it now to see if anyone bites and you may make some off of the low number. Obviously, just make sure to list that it is number 001 of 4000 limited edition, to help with the sale. Overall, for me records are purchased to be opened and listened to, but I'd feel the same dilemma if I were send a copy with 001.

In my opinion (And quite truthfully, my opinion isn't worth nuthin) is that anything marketed as a "Collectors Edition, or 1 of XXXXX is just a ploy to get more money out of you.

It is kinda like Rolex watches or exotic cars, they throw out a number that they say is limited, but those who check on the real numbers seem to find that there are 25 of #1's out there.

It is worth what the market will pay at that moment.

You bought it, play the hell out of it.

Back around 2015 I bought Lucero’s 4 LP Live from Atlanta album at one of their shows. I think was maybe $50, high I thought, but merch costs more at the show and it is four records. Not a numbered pressing but great album nonetheless.

It can take some deep introspection to understand our motivations in our actions. Does it sound amazing? Do you want people to think more highly of you for your possessions? Is it a nostalgic attachment? Will the eventual sale and profit allow you to make a special purchase? There are no right answers, just personal choices.

I’ve seen that Lucero LP as high as $1200 and only see one copy available online now for $500. I sold mine long ago and don’t even remember what I sold it for. I know I can stream it anytime I want and my digital sounds better than my vinyl ever did.