Beatles Album Cover Appraisal

The Beatles (White Album) Vinyl Record Cover

The item is a vintage vinyl record album cover, specifically the front cover of "The Beatles" self-titled album, commonly known as "The White Album." It measures approximately 12 inches by 12 inches, consistent with standard LP record jackets. The cover is made of thick cardboard, coated in a matte off-white to cream color. The iconic raised embossed title "The BEATLES" is visible horizontally centered on the lower half of the cover. A faint, almost ghost-like, embossed circular ring is also discernable in the upper right quadrant, which is a characteristic feature for early pressings of this album, indicating where a previous limited edition number might have been. The overall condition shows significant signs of age and wear. There are numerous mottled gray and light brown stains scattered across the surface, especially noticeable in the upper left and lower right areas, suggesting environmental exposure or handling. The corners and edges appear somewhat softened and show minor scuffing, typical for a record cover of this age that has been stored and handled over decades. The overall patina indicates regular use rather than pristine preservation. No visible tears or major structural damage are apparent from this angle, but the extensive discoloration suggests a "good" to "fair" condition for a collectible, depending on the grading scale. This album was originally released in 1968, placing its estimated age at over 50 years. The simplicity of the design, with its plain white background and embossed text, is a hallmark of its style period and the artistic direction chosen by the band at the time.