John Lennon Roots REAL Sings The Great Rock&Roll Hits Mail Order HA COA 3k Made
Inner sleeve is missing but vinyl is in protective static resistant inner sleeves (I've been told not all copies came with inner sleeves and I've seen two different sleeve versions so this is not an indicator of authenticity). Comes with COA from Heritage Auctions. John Lennon himself ordered one and was furious about how long he had to wait to receive his copy!
Who knows this may have been his copy! However this record was widely counterfeited and there are 9 definitive identifiers on authentic copies depicted in the pictures and listed below. The spine must read "John Lennon sings the Great Rock n Roll Hits" Counterfeits sometimes read ". No authentic copy has "greatest" on the spine or anywhere on the cover. John Lennons shoulder flesh must be visible in the bottom right.
Some but not all counterfeits have enlarged front cover photos that cut this bit out. Bottom right near John's shoulder is the LP number 8018 and the words "STEREO".
All individual letters on Stereo must be distinct and clear. Some counterfeits have these letters either running together or blurred. All genuine copies were made with white poster board. Some counterfeits were also made with the same poster board but no genuine copy can be anything other than this. Printing must be clear and legible in every letter and in the advertisements on the back. Some counterfeits have blurry ink, over-inking or under-inking. The record itself is made of medium weight vinyl. Many counterfeits were made on thick vinyl (ie think 70's soundtrack lps).If the vinyl is heavy it's fake. The labels must be clear on both sides and of standard 70's print size.
Many counterfeits have enlarged labels or blurry labels. Matrix numbers in runouts are A8018-A on side 1 and A8018-B on side 2. Some counterfeits have etched these in crudely. The Bell Sound stamper must be in runout on both sides. Again, some counterfeits managed to duplicate this but a fake Bell Sound stamp is typically identifiable to those familiar with authentic Bell Spund stamps.Also some counterfeits only have the Bell Sound stamp on one side not both. It must be on both sides! Only AUTHENTIC copies have the matrix number A8018 etched UNDER the label on Side 1. It is difficult to see but I've enhanced it and shown it is present on this record. No counterfeit copies have this etching!
If all 8 authentic indicators above are present but the under label etching is missing it is definitely a counterfeit copy. One NY collector was offered 30k for his copy but did not sell it.
Times have changed and though this record is very rare and very collectible it doesn't fetch the prices it used to though that may change after a significant Beatle or Lennon event occurs in the coming years or after the release of the Mendes bio pics which are scheduled for release in 2028. This record is priced at current market value for its immaculate condition. Serious offers considered with appropriate feedback etc. If it doesn't I may either raise the price or delist it.
Only occasionally do I lower the price if I think I can sell it faster by doing so. I specialize in high quality rarities as I'm a collector. Myself and have been for over 40 years. Please save me to be notified of new listings. Best prices are usually available at that time.