Does the edition number on a lithograph influence its value?

Question

I have purchased a lithograph . Its edition number is 47/50. I am wondering if the 3/50, for example, has more value. Thanks.

In fact it is an etching, not a lithograph. Does the same answer apply? Thank you.

Answer 1

I answered a similar question this week. There is no REAL value to a lower number in the edition, but there is a PERCEIVED value. Some people are just really set on having the number "1" or as close to it as possible, and are willing to pay more for it. And if people are willing to pay more for it, it *is* worth more, whether the reason is valid or not. :D

You have corrected your answer to say etching instead of lithograph. Good, because they are totally different processes. There would be no discernible difference at all between the first and the thousandth impressions of a lithograph. There could be a difference between earlier and later impressions of certain intaglio processes, though. Drypoint and mezzotint are two examples of processes that could be adversely affected by running through the press too many times (though modern mezzotints aren't nearly as fragile as they used to be). The solution was to limit the size of the edition to a lower number---just stop the printing and end the edition as soon as the image on the plate stops performing well. That's why drypoints will often have editions even lower than 50.

Since quality control is not usually the issue, though, you have to look at the other reason people want a lower number. Some just like the idea that they have one of the first of a given series. What they may not realize is that the number 3/50 may not mean it's the third print pulled from the press. It only means it's the third one the artist signed and numbered. If the entire edition was printed at one time, there's even a good chance he signed them in perfect reverse order! And we're forgetting about the percent of prints over and above the edition that are artists' proofs (usually ten percent). There's really no way for the buyer to know the actual number order. Your 47/50 is not only as valuable as 3/50, it could actually BE 3/50. Collectors know this. If your piece is sought after, the higher number is probably not going to affect the price you get.

Congratulations on purchasing a piece from a truly "limited" edition, by the way. Wish more people would do the same.

Answer 2

I used to be a professional picture framer and I got the chance to talk with numerous artists who produced lithographs. The general agreement was 'no', lithograph number has nothing to do with value. If you have an image that was reproduced in a less than professional fashion, the lithograph may lose clarity after numerous printings. Sort of like generation loss when recording from tape or Xeroxing images. But most reproduced lithographs, number 1 is as good an image as number 1000.

Answer 3

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RE:
Does the edition number on a lithograph influence its value?
I have purchased a lithograph . Its edition number is 47/50. I am wondering if the 3/50, for example, has more value. Thanks.

Answer 4

In that case I would probably say no. What that number tells me is that in that printing 50 copies were made and you have the 47th one.

It's not so much what number of that printing as how many overall printings are done along with how many of those are likely to survive.

For instance, a first edition of a book is much more valuable than the fourth or fifth printing even though a few hundred were probably printed.

To know the value of anything for sure you need to take it to an appraiser in person.

Answer 5

It depends on the artist, the subject, condition and the demand. If you have a piece that is known to have been done by a well known artist and is in excellent condition, a controversial subject and rarely available for sale or viewing you may have a good investment. The best way to determine value is to research the artist and see what other of the same print sold for. Good Luck!