Near-Mint Beatles 'Butcher' Gets $15,100
A formerly controversial album has become one of the most-favored vinyl collectibles
October 26, 2012
By James Massey
(Source: WhatSellsBest.com) - An extremely rare Beatles 'Butcher' album has fetched $15,100 on eBay. Reportedly the album was in extraordinary condition.
![]() |
The well-known Beatles memorabilia dealer stated in their **eBay listing, that the album was... "A simply stunning near mint stereo original first state butcher cover version of the LP 'Yesterday and Today' in near mint condition!"
Why's It Rare?
In 1966, The Beatles 'Butcher' (album) cover was used in an early release of "Yesterday and Today." The album immediately drew outrage and criticism due to the image of The Beatles being covered in raw-meat and baby-doll parts.
Things were so bad... When Capital Records first released the album, most stores would not carry it. Sears only carried the album for one-day before pulling it from their shelves.
This led to a majority of albums being recalled so a less controversial image (sticker) could be placed over the original album cover, making the original (first-state) versions extremely scarce.
In January of 2010, an unopened copy of the album (still sealed in its original 1966 factory shrink wrap) sold on eBay for $26,099.
Video: The Beatles Butcher Album Story (Antiques Roadshow Appraisal 2003)
Auction Data & Statistics
The Beatles 'Butcher Album' received 28 bids from 16 bidders over the course of 10 days. The opening bid on October 15th, was 99 cents. The final bid was $15,100. The eBay view-counter recorded over 2,400 visitors to the listing. The auction ended on Thursday, October 25 (2012), at 5:03pm Pacific Standard Time.
For more information and close-up photos of the album see; **eBay auction listing; #280999282607 (auction links may expire after 90 days).
Related Beatles Items, Auctions, and Information:
- Sold: $17k for 'Lucky Find' Beatles Record
- Sold: $35k for Extremely Rare Beatles Demo
- Sold: $22k for Rare Beatles / Ifield Album
- Sold: $14k for Beatles Vee-Jay Album
- Sold: $42k for Beatles 'Cavern Club' Poster
- Sold: $24k for Beatles Please Please Me Record
- Sold: $26k Beatles "Butcher" Record
- Sold: $7k for Super Secret Beatles Ticket
- Ten Top Beatles items sold on eBay
- Bids Stall at $31k for Beatles 'Sleeve'
- Top 25 Vintage Vinyl Records on eBay
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
All Items Shared by What Sells Best - Are strictly for Informational and Entertainment Purposes only.
VERIFY EVERYTHING
Always Consult with Reputable Specialist - Before making important buy or sell decisions.