Yesterday and Today is the ninth Capitol album by the Beatles and the eleventh overall American release. It is remembered primarily for the controversy surrounding its original cover image, the “butcher cover”, seen here in an un-cropped photo by photographer Robert Whitaker.
The “butcher cover” was replaced immediately with a simple photo featuring a picture of the band posed around an open steamer trunk. It is that photo you see on the RIAA white matte award…
Released in June 1966, certified gold by the RIAA on 7/8/66, it reached a peak chart position of #1. This white matte celebration is a first presentation (correct format for the date of certification), authentic (made by an authorized manufacturer), and I believe first state (with original parts). 
The matte is the thicker Bainbridge board used in early white mattes.
“Yesterday” …and Today on the label is correct for the period.
The quotes around the title on the presentation plate look like little elevens, appropriate for white mattes in 1966.
The backing paper (and hanging) appears original, but less distressed than you might expect. It may have been re-papered so it would not be technically first state, but it would have little affect on value.
The New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker has the correct Fulton street address.
Thanks to Brad Rogers who shared this spotlight award.
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