RIAA Gold Album award for Elton John's classic album Madman Across The Water which was released in the U.S. on February 14, 1972. The album was certified Gold® just days later by the RIAA on February 19, 1972 for 500,000 copies sold.
This official RIAA award is a special limited issue (#43 of 100 made) award with a RIAA "bar hologram" with serial number. Signed by Elton John on the CD inside the award. What makes this one extra special is that it is brand new in its original, never-opened plastic shrink wrap and thus in pristine, 10/10 condition.
The album produced hits "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" which pushed the album to #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. By 1998 the album had been certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos. NOTE: All photos shown here are taken through the new shrink wrap plastic on this award so they may appear slightly blurry or have odd reflections.
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold album award from the "bar hologram" with serial number period: Gold record, CD, cassette and info plate
- In BRAND NEW condition, still sealed in its original plastic, also comes with original manufacturer box
- Special commemorative award (#43 of 100 made) created sometime 1998 or after
- Presented to Elton John
- Signed by Elton John on CD inside award
- Known as a "bar hologram" award because it contains a RIAA hologram label with serial number, made from 1998 to present
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collectors item for any Elton John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a special commemorative award from around 1998 presented to Elton John and signed by the Elton on the CD. It was limited to 100 pieces total with this being numbered #43 of 100. In addition, it was manufactured with the RIAA serial number bar hologram.
These are traded as valuable and rare Elton John collectibles but we've never seen a brand new, never-opened one like this. The award is, of course, in all-new perfect condition from front to back with Ill-Eagle manufacturer label. The original Ill-Eagle box is also included.
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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 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