RINGO STARR is to auction off the first ever copy of the band’s 1968 album, “The Beatles,” more commonly known as the “White Album.”

    Each unit of the record, which acquired its name due to its minimalist packaging, came with its own serial number stamped on the cover. “White Album No 0000001” will be sold at Julien’s, the Beverly Hills auction house, Dec. 3-5.

    The first four pressings of the LP were all in possession of the Beatles. It was assumed that “No 0000001” belonged to John Lennon. But it turns out the drummer has had the record all along, and kept it locked away in a London bank vault for more than 35 years.

    Bidding on the record starts at US$20,000, but it is estimated to fetch up to US$60,000.

    Starr is also auctioning off many items of jewelry, as well as art, clothes and instruments, including George Harrison’s Gretsch Tennessean guitar, which is expected to fetch up to US$200,000.(SD-Agencies)