A signed and numbered print carries the artist's signature and a number such as 25/250, meaning it is the 25th print in an edition capped at 250 copies. The cap, the signature and, where issued, a certificate of authenticity are what make a limited edition collectible and separate it from an open edition that can be reprinted without limit.
Our catalog holds hundreds of signed and numbered pieces, and the questions below are the ones collectors ask most at our gallery counter. If you are ready to browse, start with our limited edition African American art prints.
Key takeaways
- The number shows the print's place in the edition and the edition size.
- Smaller editions are scarcer than large ones.
- AP marks an artist proof, set apart from the numbered run.
- Keep the certificate of authenticity with the print.
- Edition size, condition and the artist matter more to value than a low number.
How to read the number
The number is written as a fraction, usually in pencil in the lower margin. The top number is the individual print; the bottom number is the total edition size. A print marked 112/950 is one of 950. A canvas marked 7/25 is one of only 25.
The bottom number matters most. An edition of 25 will always be scarcer than an edition of 950, no matter which individual number you hold.
What the signature tells you
A hand signature, usually in pencil or paint, shows the artist approved and signed that sheet. It is different from a signature printed into the image, which appears on every copy, including open editions. Look closely: a hand signature sits on top of the paper, while a printed one is flat and part of the image.
Artist proofs, marked AP
Artist proofs are a small number of prints set aside from the edition for the artist. They are marked AP, sometimes with their own number such as AP 3/25. Because there are fewer of them, proofs are often priced higher than the numbered edition. Other marks you may see include PP (printer's proof) and HC (hors commerce, not for sale).
Certificates of authenticity
Many limited editions come with a certificate of authenticity, called a COA, which records the title, artist, edition size and the number of your print. Keep it with the print, ideally in a sleeve taped to the back of the frame or in a file. A COA supports value if you ever insure, appraise or resell the piece.
Open edition vs limited edition
An open edition has no cap and can be reprinted as long as there is demand. It is the most affordable way to own an image you love, and our open editions start at $14.99. A limited edition costs more because the run is fixed and, once sold out, the only supply is the secondary market. Read more about formats in our guide to Black art prints.
Retired editions
When a publisher stops printing an edition, it is called retired or sold out. Remaining pieces come only from dealers and collectors, which is why retired editions by artists like Charles Bibbs and Kevin "WAK" Williams are sought after.
Does a low number mean more value?
Some collectors like low numbers, but in practice edition size, the artist, the condition and the paperwork matter far more. A clean print with its COA from a small edition is a stronger collector piece than a damaged low number.
Why edition size matters more than the number
Collectors sometimes focus on getting number 1, but the bottom number tells you far more. An edition of 25 means only 25 exist in that format; an edition of 950 means many more collectors own the same image. When two pieces look alike, compare the edition size first, then condition, then paperwork.
Signed and numbered vs signed in the plate
Some prints show the artist's signature as part of the image, called signed in the plate. Every copy, including open editions, carries that printed signature. A hand-signed print has a separate signature, usually in pencil, in the margin. Hand signatures can be seen catching light at an angle, while plate signatures are flat with the rest of the image.
How to store paperwork
Keep the certificate of authenticity, the receipt and a photo of the signature and number in a folder labeled with the title and artist. Many collectors also tape a copy of the certificate inside an archival sleeve on the back of the frame, so the paperwork travels with the art.
Frequently asked questions
Is a signed print worth more than an unsigned one?
Generally yes, when the signature is by hand and the print is part of a limited edition. A printed signature does not add the same value.
What does 1/1 mean?
An edition of one: there is only a single print. It is rare in published prints and usually describes a unique variant.
How should I frame a signed and numbered print?
Use acid-free mats and UV-filtering glazing, and make sure the mat does not cover the signature or number unless you choose to. Every print bought at our gallery earns 25% off framing.
See the editions in person
Visit ATL Collectibles & Custom Framing on Level 2 of The Mall at Stonecrest, or browse our limited edition African American art prints online with nationwide shipping.
