The Beatles "I Want To Hold Your Hand" RIAA Gold Record Award

The plaque on this "floater" style award reads: "Presented To The Beatles To Commemorate The Sale Of More Than One Million Copies Of The Apple Records, Inc. Single Record ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand'". The first Beatles single release on Capitol Records was certified gold four days before the group made their first triumphant trip to the U.S. on February 7, 1964; thus fulfilling Brian Epstein's plan of not going to America until the Beatles had a #1 record. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" not only made it to #1, it stayed there for 7 weeks and sold more than five million copies in the U.S. and fifteen million worldwide. The formatting of this award with an Apple Records label suggests it dates from the late 1970's or early 1980's. The 13" x 17" frame exhibits some nicks and paint flaking. Estimate $600-$800.