Authentic prints
and COA's

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document that is provided by a recognized expert or research firm. It states that this particular individual or organization believes the print to be an authentic work by the specified artist.

Our COAs are backed by the experience and knowledge of our specialists, who are experts in not only the graphic work of many artists but also in their paintings and personal histories. This level of mastery can only be obtained through years of professional practice.

Why do I need a Certificate of Authenticity?

If you intend to sell or insure your print, you will be required to show proof that it is genuine.

When does Print Appraisers issue a Certificate of Authenticity?

After a period of intense research, our team of experts will reach a conclusion regarding the authenticity of a print. If they determine that it is – without a doubt – a bona fide print by the artist in question, Print Appraisers will issue an official COA.

How does Print Appraisers determine authenticity?

We consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

• Material
• Date of creation
• Signature
• Technique
• Quality
  Edition number
• Artist’s personal and professional development

Other examples of the artist’s work are found and analyzed. We comb through the written historical record to find information about a particular series and sales archives to find the current known whereabouts of each individual print. Our specialists function as private fine art investigators and go to great lengths for each of our clients.

Can you tell me how much my print is worth without authenticating it?

No. We cannot accurately estimate a print’s value unless we know certain details about its material, age, rarity, etc. All of these factors must be researched and confirmed before an official appraisal is issued.

Why should I choose Print Appraisers?

We don’t just tell you whether or not we think your print is authentic, we also tell you how we arrived at our conclusion. Each of our Certificates of Authenticity is accompanied by a detailed report that describes our research methods and findings. This document is a very valuable asset to clients who are seeking buyers. Major auction houses, in particular, like to see that you have already invested some effort into the authentication of your print.

Many companies will offer a COA after performing only cursory research. We dig deep to find the supporting evidence that will help you close a top-dollar sale.