Buying Limited and Open Edition Prints

When you’re buying fine art photographs, lithographs and other printed art, you’ll notice that they come in different kinds of editions. There are limited editions, large limited editions and open editions.

Limited editions come in a set number of prints and are signed by the artist. The total number in the edition is written on the front of the print. (2/100 would be the 2nd print in the edition of 100.) The number of prints can range anywhere from as low as 10 up to 250-500. By limiting the quantity, the value of each print increases upon reselling. Once the edition is sold out, no more limited edition prints of that image are produced in that particular size.

Limited edition prints usually come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The Certificate of Authenticity will include the name of the artist, the title of the art, the process, relevant dates, a signature, etc. It will show that the art is authentic.

Large limited editions generally are signed and numbered but the edition is larger – usually over 500. Because it is a larger edition, the value of the print when reselling is less than it would be for a smaller limited edition. They will also include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Open edition prints are prints created without a limit on how many will be printed.
Generally, they are less expensive and are created for images that will be produced in quantity.

Andrea Sperling is the founder of the online fine art photo gallery for the home called Will It Look Good Over The Sofa. To see her site, visit: www.WillItLookGoodOverTheSofa.