A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document produced by the artist which certifies the work was legitimately created by the artist. COA’s are commonplace in the art world where counterfeit and misattributed work often gets sold. Many art galleries offer a certificate of authenticity to accompany the artwork. I have no idea whether or not my prints have been counterfeited or not but I know that my copyrighted photos have been infringed hundreds of times in other contexts including a local chain store that I happened to walk into. Just know that when you buy directly from me on this website or on my personal site, rwongphoto.com, you are purchasing my photography prints directly from me the artist.
COA’s are a necessity when it comes to Limited Edition Photography Prints. When a photographer vows to limit to a specific edition size, this signed document holds them to their word. Certificate’s of Authenticity are not that common within the photography industry. Most photographer’s don’t appear to offer one nor would it be necessary unless they’re offering limited edition prints.
Let’s answer some questions here:
- Should I buy a limited edition print if there is no Certificate of Authenticity? Probably not unless the price is fairly low and you don’t care about these sorts of things. However if you’re spending more than several hundred dollars on a limited edition print it’s probably best to make sure you’re getting a COA with the art piece.
- Should I buy an open edition print if there is no Certificate of Authenticity? Yes, if you like the artwork. If it’s a matter of trust then talk to the artist before purchasing a fine art photography print. Build rapport then decide.
- If I want to buy a fine art photography print from this website can I get a COA? My exclusive limited-edition prints will come with a personalized Certificate of Authenticity which I will ship to you separately. Open-edition prints do not come with a Certificate of Authenticity as it is not necessary.
Do I offer a Certificate of Authenticity?
Yes. I have recently started offering an exclusive limited edition collection of prints that come with a signed Certificate of Authenticity on watermarked deckle-edged mould-made paper. Each COA will be shipped to you separately and come affixed with a numbered hologram system which increases the value of your fine art print. Each limited edition print associated with a numbered hologram is registered with a central database for provenance.
