The finest known signed copy of the Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album has sold for almost 10 times its pre-sale estimate at Heritage Auctions' March 30 Entertainment and Music Memorabilia signature auction in Dallas.
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The album, signed by all four members of the band, sold for an outstanding $290,500, rising past its initial valuation by 868.3%. It is now the most valuable Beatles signed record in the world.
The previous record was held by a signed copy of Meet The Beatles, which made $150,000 in 2011. The present sale represents a 93.6% increase on this record.
There are believed to be only around 125 signed Beatles albums in the world, with "Pepper" examples particularly rare.
The Sgt Pepper album at auction bears crisp signatures from each of the Beatles across its iconic gatefold, with each member having signed above his picture. Beatles expert Perry Cox commented:
"As for impact and presentation, this 'Pepper' signed album tops them all. Without question, it's one of the top Beatles collectibles, and certainly signed collectibles of all time, proudly adorning what is considered by most rock and roll critics as the top rock and pop album of all time."
Also starring in the sale was one of the rarest of all Beatles records, the My Bonnie/The Saints 45 single that the group recorded with singer Tony Sheridan before their own career was fully launched. It sold for $18,750.
This signed copy of the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night is available at a superb price, and is one of just 8-10 known to exist.