RIAA 5x Multi-Platinum™ Award for Santana's Abraxas album. Released in Sept. 1970 after the group's performance at Woodstock, the album featured classic hits "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" and introduced leader Carlos Santana's distinctive guitar style to the world. The album, actually the group's second, also featured keyboards from Greg Rolie, who a few years later would go on to found Journey.
Quickly going Gold in 1970, Abraxas was certified 5x Multi-Platinum™ by the RIAA for five million copies sold in the U.S. on April 3, 2000. The album went to #1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and charted in the top 10 in many other world territories. See image above for the RIAA sales certification data of this album* although note the release date is erroneous on this screenshot.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA 5x Multi-Platinum award with all proper components of bar hologram awards
- In Excellent condition with only a very minor mar or two on the frame
- A first presentation award from sometime in the 2000 time frame
- Unopened back with manufacturer's sticker indicating a completely original award
- Known as a "RIAA bar hologram" award with a serial number hologram, they were made from 1998 to present
- Award measures approx. 17" x 25"
- Beautiful and rare collectors item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Multi-Platinum award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 2000 making this award approximately 19 years old. This award was given to an industry executive and his signed and notarized letter of provenance will provided with purchase. Provenance letter can be seen in images with executive's name obscured for privacy. Item buyer will receive a non-obscured copy of the letter.
It is all original with unopened backing paper, Ill-Eagle Enterprises manufacturer's sticker and all correct components. This award is in excellent condition, with only a very minor mar or two on the frame and some adhesive residue on its back paper. It was obviously applied to re-secure the backing paper and one of the sawtooth hangers (see image) and has no effect on display appearance.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Read our article here.
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 20 to 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.