Artist: The Beatles Album: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Label: Capitol Records (US) Catalog Number: SMAS-2653 (Stereo) Country: USA Released: 1968-69 (Second State / 2nd Pressing) Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Gatefold, Still Sealed DESCRIPTION A magnificent opportunity to acquire an original 1968/69 US vintage pressing of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This copy is Still Sealed in its original factory shrink wrap. As one of the most significant albums in history, this US Stereo version features the iconic yellow "STEREO" banner at the top of the cover. This is a "Second State" cover, featuring the added legal credits that were introduced shortly after the very first batch of the 1967 release. CONDITION Status: STILL SEALED (Factory Original Shrink Wrap). Jacket: Near Mint (NM) condition. The colors are incredibly sharp and vibrant. The spine is perfectly intact under the wrap. Shrink Wrap: small triangle tear on back side Special Note (Cut-out): This copy has a small factory drill hole (cut-out) in the upper right corner, indicating it was part of the original unsold warehouse stock from the late 1960s. NOTES This copy is an authentic Second State (2nd Pressing) of the 1967 US release. It is distinguished by the following features: Credits: The back cover includes the "1967 NEMS – NEMS ENTERPRISES LIMITED" and "MACLEN MUSIC INC." credits. These were added to the artwork within the first year of production to satisfy legal requirements regarding publishing rights. Originality: Despite the credits, this is a true 1960s artifact, featuring the original weight and construction of the 1967 gatefold jacket. Rarity: Finding a "Second State" copy still sealed is extremely rare, as most were opened and played during the late 60s and 70s. It represents a premium investment for Beatles completists. MATRIX / LABELS Labels: Being Still Sealed, this record is guaranteed to feature the original 1967 "Rainbow" Capitol labels (black with a multi-color outer ring). Vinyl: Mint (M) - Unplayed and untouched since it left the factory. Inserts: Includes the original 1967 "Sgt. Pepper" cardboard cut-out sheet inside the gatefold.