John Lennon & Yoko Ono – Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins (Sealed 1970 U.S. Bell Censored Edition)

A rare factory-sealed copy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s experimental debut collaboration, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, issued in the United States by Bell Records circa 1970. This is the scarce “censored retail edition”, created specifically for mainstream sales in American record stores.

Instead of the infamous nude front and back artwork used on the original 1968 Apple/UK release, this U.S. retail version features a single printed jacket with large oval portraits of Lennon and Ono on the front—completely concealing the original nude photographs. These censored covers were produced for only a short period, making sealed examples especially difficult to find today.

Details

• Artist: John Lennon & Yoko Ono
• Title: Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
• Label: Bell Records
• Country: USA
• Catalog: (Varies by pressing—typically BELL 3602 or BELL 3663)
• Format: Vinyl LP, Stereo
• Release Era: ~1970 U.S. censored retail edition
• Condition: Factory Sealed (original shrinkwrap), never opened

About This Edition

The Two Virgins album was controversial upon its original release, resulting in many retailers refusing to carry it. In order to distribute the album in the U.S. without violating obscenity standards, Bell Records produced this censored oval-cover edition, which hides the nude photography beneath a fully printed cover.

Because most surviving copies were opened, handled, or sold as cut-outs, truly sealed examples like this are far less common than standard nude-cover imports or later reissues.

Highlights

• Genuine vintage Bell Records U.S. pressing
• Sealed and unopened — rare for this title
• Historically significant Lennon/Ono release
• Collectible censored retail sleeve
• Excellent piece for Beatles completists and avant-garde vinyl collectors

Condition

• Jacket: In original shrinkwrap; minimal shelf wear consistent with long-term storage
• Vinyl: Presumed Mint (factory sealed)
• Shrinkwrap: Fully intact with clean edges; no tears or openings