Description This is the 2nd state of the Beatles Yesterday and Today LP. A first issue, pressed in Los Angeles. This release is notorious for its controversial original cover photograph, known as the "Butcher Cover". The initial response to the cover from the estimated 60,000 advance copies was so negative that Capitol recalled all 750,000 manufactured copies from its distributors for repackaging with a more conventional photograph. Butcher covers are generally divided into 3 categories: First state - Original unaltered version. Second state - First state cover with the new artwork pasted over (generally known as a "Trunk Cover"). Third state - A second state copy where the pasted-on Trunk cover image has been (fully or partially) removed, revealing the Butcher Cover photograph underneath. This is the Stereo issue which is much rarer than the Mono. The V from Ringo's sweater can be seen in the 2nd and 3rd photos. The cover is VG+ (the upper and lower right corners have some mild blunting). The spine is in great condition and has no splits at the seams. The inner sleeve is VG+ with a tiny 1 1/2" split at the bottom seam, the Record is VG+. It has some hairlines on the vinyl, but there are no spindle marks at all on either side. (I use the same grading system as Perry Cox: G, G+, VG-, VG, VG+, NM-, NM, NM+ and Mint (sealed). Most of us old timers don't use the EX designation. The number 5 on the rear bottom of the album designates that is was pressed in Los Angeles. The second state Butcher Cover is getting rarer as collectors and dealers get better and better at removing the Trunk Cover which is pasted over the Butcher Cover, and as I said before, the stereo is said to be 10 times rarer than the mono. The COA from Perry Cox is a nice addition to this sale. Good luck. It's a great Beatles' collectible!