The Beatles’ “Yesterday and Today” album, released in the US on June 20, 1966, originally featured one of the most controversial album covers in music history — the “Butcher Cover,” with the four Beatles surrounded by raw meat and dismembered baby dolls. Capitol Records pulled the album within hours and replaced the cover with a different “trunk photo.” First-pressing original Butcher Covers, in pristine sealed condition, regularly sell for $50,000–$125,000+, with the most exceptional examples crossing $200,000.

Why the Butcher Cover matters

The cover was photographed by Robert Whitaker as part of an art project intended to satirise commercialism. Capitol Records initially shipped 750,000 copies before pulling the album. Many copies were “pasted over” — Capitol pasted the new “trunk photo” cover directly over the original Butcher photo. Three states exist: First State (original Butcher Cover, sealed or never pasted), Second State (paste-over with Butcher visible underneath), and Third State (paste-over peeled to reveal Butcher beneath, sometimes called “peeled”). First State sealed copies are the rarest and most valuable.

How to identify each state

First State: original Butcher Cover, sealed in original shrink wrap, with no paste-over. Mono pressings (T-2553) are slightly rarer than stereo (ST-2553). Confirm authenticity by examining the front cover image clarity and original Capitol Records “rainbow rim” label. Second State: paste-over visible — hold up to a strong light and the original Butcher photo can be seen through the cover. Look for the “V” pattern in Ringo’s black sweater visible through the paste-over. Third State: the paste-over has been carefully peeled back, exposing some or all of the original Butcher Cover. Quality of peel varies enormously; “expert peeled” copies command higher prices.

Condition and value

Public sales for stereo Butcher Cover examples: First State sealed (mint): $50,000–$125,000; First State opened in NM-: $20,000–$45,000; Second State pasted with Butcher visible: $1,000–$5,000; Third State expertly peeled: $4,000–$15,000. Mono first-state sealed: $80,000–$200,000+. Robert Whitaker’s original prints (signed by the photographer) are separately collectible at $5,000–$25,000.

Where to see one

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland), the British Library Sound Archive and the Beatles Story (Liverpool) hold examples in permanent collections. Heritage Auctions, Bonhams and RR Auction hold public previews when significant copies come to market.

For families and beginners

Capitol Records and Apple Corps released digitally remastered versions of the entire US Beatles catalog in 2014’s “Capitol Albums Vol. 1 & 2” box sets. Modern reissues of Yesterday and Today are widely available on streaming and vinyl reissue. Robert Whitaker’s photography book The Unseen Beatles (1991) provides authoritative context for older children interested in pop-culture history. The Butcher Cover discussion is also a wonderful entry point into the broader history of art censorship and corporate response.

Care and storage

Sealed copies should remain sealed — opening immediately reduces value 60–80%. Store vertical (spine up) in archival outer sleeves at 18–22°C and 45–55% RH, away from direct light. Pasted copies should not be peeled by amateurs — professional record conservators (Sotheby’s specialists, Heritage’s record specialists) can carefully peel a Second State at a 50/50 success rate, with expert success commanding higher prices than failed peels.

Read next

Continue with the Beatles’ other holy-grail records: White Album Copy No. 0000001, the German “Polydor” pre-Apple singles, Decca Records 1962 audition tapes, and the Esher Demos.

About This collectible

The The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover is a notable entry in the collectible category. Whether you are a seasoned collector or evaluating your first piece, understanding provenance, condition, and market context is essential for confident decisions. This guide summarizes what makes this item collectible and how to evaluate examples in the market.

Identification & Authentication

Authenticating a The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover requires attention to period-correct materials, manufacturing marks, signatures, and chain of custody documentation. Where third-party authentication exists (PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, PCGS, NGC, or category-specific authenticators), graded examples carry significant premium over raw pieces. Consult a recognized authenticator before high-value purchases.

Valuation & Market Pricing

Values for the The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover vary by condition, provenance, completeness, and demand. Track recent sold prices on major venues including Heritage Auctions, Goldin, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and eBay completed listings to benchmark fair market value. Realized sales reflect true value; asking prices do not.

Condition & Grading

Condition is the largest variable affecting value. Use the grading scale appropriate to the category and document defects honestly. For graded items, verify certification numbers on the grader’s website. For raw items, photograph all surfaces under neutral lighting and disclose any restoration or imperfections.

Where to Buy & Sell

Reputable venues include major auction houses, established dealer networks, specialty shows, and vetted online marketplaces. Avoid private cash transactions with unknown parties for high-value pieces. Use buyer protection or escrow when transacting at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover is authentic?

Authenticity is best confirmed by a recognized third-party authenticator. Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient for high-value pieces.

What is a The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover worth?

Value depends on condition, provenance, and completeness. Check recent sold prices on major auction venues for comparable examples.

Where should I sell my The Beatles — "Yesterday and Today" Butcher Cover?

For high-value pieces, established auction houses with category expertise typically deliver the best results. For mid-market items, vetted online marketplaces or dealer networks balance reach and fees.

Does grading add value?

For most categories, third-party grading adds meaningful value to top-condition examples. For lower-grade pieces, the grading fee can exceed the value uplift.