🔎 Research: $35K Beatles Record
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█ A-Z // Fortune Finders 🔗 - [ i ]
Research Exercise: Discover the Hidden Value of a Beatles Record
Objective: Use the recommended research tools (collectible, music, showbiz) listed on the map to track this item's financial value across multiple venues over time, examining how specific details within venue descriptions impact its collectible and cultural significance.
Background
In 2013, one of the lowest-numbered Beatles albums fetched a winning bid of $35,000 (including buyer's premium) through Heritage Auctions.
This White Album, bearing the U.S. pressing number A0000001, had previously belonged to Clifford J. Yamasaki of San Francisco's Let It Be Records. The auction also included a handwritten letter from Mr. Yamasaki, explaining how he came to own it.
Here's an excerpt from that letter: 'It (the record) is one of approximately two dozen copies distributed as early promotional items to The Beatles and top Capitol Records executives. I purchased this copy from one of the above executives in the early 1970s. That executive was head of the classical division at Capitol Records. The White Album, number A0000001, was shown at a Beatles Convention only once. Copies with this number, A0000001, were never sealed with records or sold to the public.'
Why's It Valuable?
Due to The Beatles' impact on society and their lasting popularity worldwide, many consider them one of the most influential music groups in popular culture.
This reputation has created a large collector base for Beatles memorabilia, while early items in good condition are in extremely limited supply.
The combination of high demand and scarce supply often drives prices up, especially when collectors know they may never get another chance to buy an item of this rarity. Having one of the lowest-numbered copies of The White Album represents a rare opportunity to own something that only comes along once in a great while.
Exercise Steps
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Verify Unique Details
Using resources from specialty auction houses listed on the map, look up the specifics of low-number Beatles White Album pressings. Verify pressing numbers, former ownership, and any related documentation, like letters from previous owners, to understand the provenance that can impact value.
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Compare Similar Items
Research similar Beatles White Albums with low pressing numbers, noting sale dates, album conditions, and any differences in accessories or packaging. Explore a variety of specialty menu for additional examples, and compare how features like record condition or cover wear influence final prices.
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Locate Multiple Venues with Comparable Sales
Try finding multiple venues that have listed or auctioned this album (such as Christie’s or Julien’s Auctions) and examine the variation in prices over time and across platforms. Note if prices fluctuate significantly based on location, audience, or auction timing.
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Analyze Historical and Market Factors
Investigate how historical context—like the Beatles’ cultural influence and scarcity of early memorabilia—affects collectible value. Use specialty collector websites to read about market trends in Beatles memorabilia, focusing on items with unique features that collectors prize.
Reflection
Summarize your findings, comparing the value of pressing number A0000001 with other similar items. Reflect on which factors (condition, rarity, provenance) most affect collectible pricing and how using specialty tools helps uncover a deeper understanding of the item's value and historical significance.
Important Considerations
This example provides a high-level overview, followed by steps to guide your research process. Combining reading comprehension with hands-on exploration, it offers a practical research exercise. Keep in mind that when specific details adding value to an item become widely known, they can sometimes be forged, impacting value assessments. For accurate evaluations, it’s always best to consult reputable specialists before making important buying or selling decisions.