Q. I have an RIAA award for an album that went platinum in 1977. Technically it should be in the “floater” format, but it is in the “R” hologram format. Is that unusual? Thanks, Phil
A. Not unusual. When you are talking about formats of RIAA awards, there is a progression, over the years , of presentation formats. What you have is a 4th presentation award, the 1st would be a floater (1975-1981) , the 2nd a strip plate (81-85),the 3rd a flower hologram (85-89) and then your R hologram (90-97). The album in question was certified in 1977, but the award you have was made between 1990-1997. That happens when people approved to receive an award want a new or replacement one, or when current events or promotions call for new awards. Theses replacement or new awards are made in the format of the current period. FYI, I’ve put more detailed information and pictures of these RIAA presentation types, below. Hope that helps, Jim
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The “Floater” Format began in April of 1975 and continued until 1981, including the beginning of platinum awards. (There were no platinum white mattes.)
The Floater was distinguished by having a gold or platinum painted wood frame, a black matte on which the disc, presentation plate and mini (on LP’s) was mounted to appear to float off the matte (hence the name).
Gold Floater
Platinum Floater
The first platinum LP Floater award was for The Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975” certified on February 24, 1976. Johnny Taylor’s “Disco Lady” was the first platinum 45, certified on March 11, 1976.
In the Floater period presentations increased to between 25-50, with awards being given not only artists, label execs and others involved in the creative, but also to radio stations, management, agents, and key figures in distribution and promotion.
-To keep up with greater demand for awards, Creative Glassics began manufacturing RIAA awards in 1976 in addition to New York Frame & Picture Co.
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From 1981 to 1985 “Strip-Plates” were the format of RIAA awards. They were like a floater (having gold or platinum painted wood frame, a black matte and disc in the upper half) except that the mini and presentation plate were combined on a single strip below the LP disc. (hence the name strip-plate)
Gold Strip-Plate
Platinum Strip-Plate
As music sales increased these awards were presented to an even broader group which could include family & friends, retailers, wholesale distributors, graphic artists, etc. 50 to a 75 awards might be made, with some titles and artists having even more.
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Holograms
After 1985 the tight formats of the White Matte, Floater and Strip-Plate gave way to the RIAA hologram logo. Formats and standards of presentation loosened and could now include, or simply be, cassettes, CD’s, custom graphics and plates. Unique designs in size, shape, mattes, use of images and placement of the RIAA logo emerged.
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From 1985 to1989 RIAA logos were Flower Holograms.
Gold Flower Hologram
Platinum Flower Hologram
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From 1990 until 1997 RIAA logos were R Holograms.
