Galerie Verdun Art News

Issue for May 21, 2005

Do Limited Edition Prints Really Have More Value?

Why can't the edition be open and the price much lower?

There was a time when prints were naturally limited because of the process used. Plates and stencils would wear and when the images began to suffer the printing was halted and the edition was complete. Today with many modern printing methods, a limited edition is simply a pre-planned restriction in the number of prints produced.

The value of a limited edition isn't determined only by the number in the edition. That's only part of the equation. The more important factor is the demand for the print. Popularity of the artist and the demand for his work are the real driving forces in determining the number of the edition to begin with. If there is only demand for say 100 prints, then the difference between numbering the edition at 1000 or 2000 is meaningless. Even numbering it at only 500 might not have much effect on the price.

Many collectors realize that merely producing a limited edition doesn't do anything to indicate that the edition has any real value. It may not be worth the paper it's printed on, literally. And then again it may be worth more than some original works.

When evaluating the value of a limited edition print, several factors would need to be considered:

1. The popularity and reputation of the artist

2. Prices of his other limited edition prints

3. Prices of prints of a comparable artist

4. Whether or not previously released edition have sold out

5. The latest price of sold-out editions

If the price is fairly low you may not even be concerned with its actual value. If you like it, just buy it! On the other hand, if the print is rather costly, you may need to do a little footwork to justify your purchase. Consider the factors listed above and investigate. Make some phone calls. You could call the artist directly, if possible, and ask about his print sales, which would provide a clue as to its popularity. Contact galleries local to his area and ask about him. If his prints really do have substantial value he can't help but be known by local art dealers.

In the end, you'll have to decide for yourself if the higher price of a limited edition is worth it. On the one hand, that particular image may not ever be available any other way. If you really want it, you'll have to buy it. On the other hand, there are many fine artists out there and many of them are publishing their works as open edition prints as well as limited. If you look long enough you can find what you want and perhaps at a more reasonable price.