Flower holograms were the RIAA format from 1985 to 1989. The black frame and blue edging underneath the black matte were usual, and the “flower” hologram (on the right of the presentation plate) was on all awards of this period. Knowing what the logo looks like helps you determine if the award is authentic to the time it was certified.
For a chronological look at the correct format of RIAA awards, take a look at Types of Awards.
“Tunnel of Love” was released by Bruce in October of 1987 and certified gold on 12/31/1987. Its peak chart position was #1.
Ralph Carroll was a force in radio programming and promotion.
Buying or selling awards, by just looking a picture of the front, is like trying to identify a bird by just looking at a few feathers. A minimum of three pictures, front, plate and back, better share the history and authenticity of any award.
The backing cardboard and saw tooth top hanging are original, and there is an outline where the original sticker would have been. (Inscription added later.)
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For your information and comparison, take a look at a wide variety of awards in the Awards Gallery to the right, and new each week in Award Stories by Email.
