RIAA Gold LP award for John Lennon's solo album (with The Plastic Ono Band) Imagine presented to Apple Records. The album was released on September 15, 1971 and was quickly certified Gold by the RIAA on October 1, 1971 for 500,000 copies sold.
In addition to well-loved title track "Imagine" the other popular song on the album is "Jealous Guy." The album featured former Beatle-mate George Harrison among other well-known musicians. The album went to #1 in over ten countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany and others. By 1991 the album was RIAA certified 2x Multi-Platinum -- see image above for RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP white matte award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1971-72
- Presented to Apple Records
- Rebacked at some point
- "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 collector's item for any John Lennon or Beatles fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold award for John Lennon's Imagine is from 1971-72 making it approx. 50 years old. It is presented to Apple Records.
Considering the age of the award it is in Very Good condition. There are mars and scratches on the wood frame--some fairly major (see images), as is expected, and a few minor tears on the backing paper. The backing paper was clearly redone at some point back in time but appears quite aged and has tears. A New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer's sticker has been stuck over this new backing paper and would appear to be the original sticker, although this cannot be determined with certainty.
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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