RIAA Gold LP Award for the Beatles Abbey Road presented to the Beatles. The album was released on Sept. 26, 1969 and just a few days later certified Gold by the RIAA for one million dollars worth sold. Remarkably, it remained at the RIAA Gold certification level until Dec. 26, 1991, when it was finally certified Platinum and later of course many more Multi-Platinum levels. This is certainly because the label had not filed the proper proof of sales paperwork with the RIAA until that time. This is why "R hologram" style awards, which were made from 1990-97, exist at the Gold level for this album.
The album became famous for such Beatles classics as "Come Together", "The End" and George Harrison's twin masterpieces "Here Comes The Sun" and "Something". "The End" was said to be the last track ever that the Beatles recorded all together. It is estimated the album sold four million copies in its first two months after it went to #1 in essentially every major music market worldwide. By 2001 it had been certified 12x Multi-Platinum, making it a rare RIAA Diamond award winner, and is estimated to have sold 31 million copies worldwide. See image for all the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award with cassette, CD, album miniature and gold info plate
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation Gold award from 1990
- Presented to the Beatles
- Has original backing paper with manufacturer's label
- "R hologram" awards were made from from 1990-1997
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Fantastic and rare collector's item for any Beatles fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Album award must have been made in 1990 given the album's Platinum certification date was in 1991 and the fact that R hologram awards were only made from 1990-97. While clearly this famous album sold in the millions soon after its' release, the unusual late submission of sales proof by the record label to the RIAA resulted in the album first being declared Platinum in 1991.
This award is approximately 31 years old and yet is in VG to Excellent condition. There is only a very minor mar or two on the frame and some minor gold record finish degradation around the label. The backing paper is original with Creative Glassics manufacturer's sticker present.
Did you know the Beatles have more collector purchases of RIAA awards 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