I'll Get the Ice-creams

The Beatles Collection Gold Box

After I'd blogged about my success in getting hold of the blue Beatles Collection boxed set, a friend of mine asked me how much his GOLD box set would be worth.  So began weeks of seemingly fruitless research which finally culminated in the following (somewhat sparse) information:

This is a rare Australian release with heavily textured gold foil box containing the same 13 LP titles as the UK release (plus a "Rarities" album), some with different cover art (Australian artwork on the covers for "Beatles for Sale" & "With the Beatles"). Apparently this collection was withdrawn when EMI UK did not like the appearance of the gold box. 

Another story is that: it is the 1978 Australian 13-LP box set with each LP in it's original issue sleeve with all relevant inserts, all housed in a high quality black text on gold leaf (unique to Australia) 12" textured box. The box was withdrawn due to the fragile nature of the gold leaf covering, leading it to be replaced with the more familiar blue version. A fantastic rare version of this amazing set!  PSLP261

The collection is much rarer than the standard blue collections, about on par with the British original "flip-top" blue box.  Recent auctions have priced it in the $200~$300 range but these are for box's that are some what battered.  My friends collection is in excellent condition (still with the original plastic wrapping) so it's possible that it would fetch even more in an auction.  There's even some speculation that this box set could sell for in excess of ₤500.

A couple of recent auctions:
http://collectorsfrenzy.com/Details.aspx?id=220819076452
http://www.popsike.com/The-Beatles-Collection-Gold-Box-Set/160641973538.html

Australian Beatles Rarity Guide:
http://beatlesaustralia.com/RARITY_GUIDE_1b_albums_emi_stereo.html

AllExperts info on Gold Box Collection:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Beatles-386/2009/5/Beatles-Collection-Gold-Box.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Beatles-386/2009/3/Beatle-Box-set.htm

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A Simple HTML Table (Handy to Use in Blogs)

Here's a simple HTML table generator which comes in handy when you need to add a couple of pictures in a blog: Table Generator

Don't forget to use the align="center" in the table header if you want the table centered.