Guide
What are street art prints worth?
Screenprints are the heart of the street art market – affordable to buy, easy to fake and very different in value. These are the details that decide the price.
Read the lower margin
Most street art prints are signed and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: the signature on one side, a number like 45/150 on the other. The second figure is the edition size – the smaller, the rarer. Instead of a number you may find AP (artist's proof), PP (printer's proof) or HC (hors commerce). These are part of the edition and often sought after.
Signed, unsigned, open edition
- Signed and numbered: the standard collectible print.
- Unsigned edition: genuine, but usually worth much less than the signed version.
- Open edition or poster: printed in unlimited numbers; decorative, with little resale value.
- Colour variants: the same image in a different colourway, often in a smaller edition.
The big names
Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant) has released a very large number of screenprints since the 1990s; the Hope poster of 2008 made him world-famous. Many of his prints are affordable, so condition and edition matter a lot. KAWS moved from street to art market and toys – in 2019, The KAWS Album sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong for about US$14.8 million. Keith Haring's signed Pop Shop prints are a classic entry point to his market. Invader, André Saraiva and Mr. Brainwash also publish editions.
Condition and framing
Screenprints are works on paper: sunlight fades them, damp causes stains and foxing, and tape or glue on the back causes lasting damage. Keep prints out of direct light, use acid-free mounts, and never trim the margins – they carry the signature and number.
Paperwork
Keep the invoice, the certificate and the original packaging tube. For many artists, a purchase from the official web shop or the publisher is the best proof of authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
What does 45/150 mean on a print?
It is print number 45 of an edition of 150. The edition size matters more than the individual number.
What is an AP or artist's proof?
A proof print outside the numbered edition, traditionally kept by the artist. APs are part of the edition and are often valued at or above the numbered prints.
Are Shepard Fairey (Obey) prints valuable?
Some are. He has released many editions, so most signed prints trade at moderate prices; early, small or sold-out editions in excellent condition are worth more.
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