Art Advice - Useful Information - Limited Edition Prints

Limited Edition Prints

Artist Signature

Nearly all limited edition prints will be signed by the artist in pencil underneath the picture on the right hand side. The signature authenticates and guarantees each piece. The artist will only sign the print when they are completely satisfied that it is a true and accurate representation of the original.

Signed limited edition prints will often attract higher prices than unsigned work.

Certificate of Authenticity

Nearly all limited edition prints will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). These are supplied by the publisher or artist.

Numbering

Limited edition prints will normally be numbered in pencil underneath the image on the left hand side. The handwritten number is vital as it guarantees not only the size but also the authenticity of the edition (eg. 5/195 means the fifth print in a set of 195 identical prints).

Artist Proofs (AP’s)

Artist’s proofs are normally 10% of the total number of prints produced. They are identified by the abbreviation ‘AP’ and will normally be found underneath the image on the left hand side (eg. AP 5/10 means the fifth print in a set of ten identical prints). Artist’s proofs were originally designed for the artist to keep but they can be sold in the same way as the other prints in the edition. Artist’s proofs are often seen as more desirable because they are rarer and will attract higher prices.