Beatles Records

One of the more unique Beatles records is called "Yesterday and Today" and with this cover can have what is often referred to as the paste over, valuable, "Butcher cover".

The original, banned, cover below the normally seen common cover shot shows the boys with bloody cut up dolls strewn about and raised quite a bit of controversy when it was released. So much controversy, in fact, that the record company created the paste over cover to block the objectionable picture. The albums are on the market both in their pasted over and peeled off conditions.

As the original issue is worth many thousands, many attempt to sell the later peeled issues as original "first state" albums which often makes deals with anyone else but experts on both sides fall apart.

A number of factors effect the potential value of these album:
First, of course, is basic condition that applies to all albums and this will include any scratching or marring of the record surface and any wear to the cover.

Secondly , and this too applies to all albums, is whether it is the Monaural or Stereo issue. Values can be vastly different for the different issues and it's not always cut and dry (i.e. "mono" more valuable than stereo).

More specifically regarding this record is a third factor that often results in a difference of opinion among collectors and dealers and that is whether to peel the cover or not and the method and expertise used to remove it. Once the decision to peel is reached it is obvious that simply pulling back may result in damage to the cover art below and this would effect the value regardless of the opinion held about peeling.

Values for this album are all over the board due to the above variables but the value of the music is always the same!

See our Grading guide for important details on how we grade Records.