The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifies recordings in the United States according to defined sales and, for eligible releases, streaming-equivalent thresholds. Gold and Platinum awards mark successive levels of commercial performance; their criteria have changed as formats and methods of music consumption have evolved. Historical awards must therefore be interpreted in relation to the rules in force when they were issued.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) introduced its certified-awards programme in 1973. Its thresholds and eligible formats have likewise changed over time, from physical albums and singles to downloads and streaming. The objects shown here illustrate how certifications became part of the visual and commercial history of Queen’s recordings.