How can you tell the value of a print?
The condition of the paper—tears, creases, stains—will also impact value. If you have a print with a fraction marked on the bottom, that fraction represents the print’s number within the total print run. The numerator (top number in the fraction) tells you how early or late your print was pulled off the machine in the total print run.
What do the numbers mean on limited edition prints?
Every print in a limited edition is numbered, usually in pencil at the bottom of the print. This number (that looks like a fraction) is called a print run number and it shows the print’s position in the edition.
How can you tell how many prints are in a print run?
The denominator (bottom number in the fraction) tells you how many prints are included in the total print run or how many pulls of this same printed image occurred off the machine. For example, Rembrandt van Rijn produced very small print runs. He typically produced prints in a run of no more than 12 impressions.
Are there any prints that are worth anything?
Many collectors disregard prints. Prints are often seen as mass-produced copies of famous artworks that are just not that valuable or worth investing in. But nothing can be further from the truth. Prints can be just as valuable as any other artwork and certain prints are known to reach seven or eight-figure prices at auctions.
How can you tell if a print is valuable?
When identifying a valuable print, look for a quality of impression and good condition of the paper. Look at the paper and see if there is a watermark or distinguishing marking. The condition of the paper—tears, creases, stains—will also impact value.
How does the number of prints affect the value of a print?
Consider how the number of prints within the total print run impacts value of each print. If there are only 12 prints total, each print is very valuable. If there are 5,000 prints available in the total print run, not so much. If 4,999 of your friends have the same print as you do, that doesn’t do much for retaining high value.
What’s the value of a limited edition print?
Prints can be just as valuable as any other artwork and certain prints are known to reach seven or eight-figure prices at auctions.
Many collectors disregard prints. Prints are often seen as mass-produced copies of famous artworks that are just not that valuable or worth investing in. But nothing can be further from the truth. Prints can be just as valuable as any other artwork and certain prints are known to reach seven or eight-figure prices at auctions.
