RIAA Gold Album "white matte" award for the Beatles album The Early Beatles presented to The Beatles. Released on Mar. 22, 1965, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Jan. 8, 1974 for 500,000 copies sold. While originally released on the Capitol label, by the time it was certified Gold the Beatles had formed their Apple label (in 1968), so the Apple label was used in the award.
This album contained early mega-hits for the group including "Love Me Do," "Twist And Shout," "Please, Please Me," and "Do You Want To Know A Secret." All the tracks on the album had been previously released in the U.S., however, making this album an introduction to the group for some but a sort of greatest hits album for others. This explains this album's slower climb to RIAA Gold status. The album was also later certified Platinum by the RIAA on Jan. 10, 1997 for one million copies sold.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- Presented to The Beatles
- In VG condition
- Award from 1974
- All original with manufacturer label
- "White matte" awards (obviously so-named due to the white matte used) were made from from 1964-1974
- RIAA white matte awards numbered only 5-25 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collectors item for any Beatles fan
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Detailed Item Description: This is a RIAA Gold Album white matte award that would have been manufactured in 1974. It is presented to The Beatles.
The award is in VG condition despite being 51 years old. It has typical frame wear but very minor fading of the matte, record label and album miniature. It has what appears to be its' original backing paper, which has some tears, and New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker with the post-1969 John Street address (NYF&P moved from 141 Fulton St. to 29 John St. in 1969).
Don't miss this rare opportunity to get a highly-coveted early Beatles RIAA white matte award presented to the group themselves. Did you know the Beatles have more RIAA sales in the top 10 highest auction sales than any other artist? See the top 10 in our article here.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com