The very first time a piece of art is sold, the artist or gallery issues a certificate of authenticity (COA). This is a special document that proves the piece is authentic and that it was truly created by the credited artist. The certificate contains information that can be used to verify the authenticity, originality, and unique qualities of each certified work of art.
Why Get a Certificate of Authenticity for Artwork?
For art buyers and art collectors, the COA is one of the best ways to guarantee that the pieces you are purchasing are genuine and worth their claimed value. Anyone can hang a lovely print, but only certified artwork can be verified as an original creation of an acclaimed artist and a one-of-a-kind artifact that will grow more valuable with time.
What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
A certificate of authenticity (COA) is a document that is issued by the artist or gallery. In some rare cases, it is issued by a descendant of the artist or an auction house after authenticity has been confirmed.
The Details of a COA
Each COA typically describes the piece in detail. It may include:
- The artist's name
- The name of the piece
- The date of creation
- The materials, medium, and substrate of the piece
It may also (but does not always) include:
- The dimensions of the piece
- Care or display instructions
- Records of previous sales and owners
- Records of previous exhibitions
- A photograph of the piece
- Further information, such as inspiration or the artists' history.
Verification of a COA for Artwork
COAs are often printed on heavy paper and kept in a protective sleeve. They may include a watermark, seal, or embossed stamp. More recent COAs may include a code that matches the label attached to the back of a piece (for paintings and limited-print photographs). Some contain a QR code that links to an online database or a landing page that features more information.
These details can be used to verify a COA and the piece it certifies.
How to Get a Certificate of Authenticity for Your Art
When purchasing a piece of artwork, the certificate of authenticity should be included in the sale. After all, the certificate and artwork define each other's value. A piece of artwork without a COA may not be genuine, or if the artist is very new, the first certificate may not have been issued yet.
- You should receive a COA when you purchase a new piece of art
- From a gallery
- From an auction
- From another art collector
- From the artist
- Request the COA if purchasing art from a gallery, auction, or collector
- Request an original COA to be created if purchasing new artwork directly from an artist or gallery.
The Value a COA Brings to Your Collection
If you are an art collector or looking to procure a single piece for your home, having a COA introduces profound value. Ensuring each work of art is paired with a COA is the best way to protect your art investment. A certificate of authenticity enhances the resale value by giving art collectors assurance and confidence to fully value your work. This is especially true for more sought after or acclaimed works, such as blue-chip artwork.
With a COA, you can not only prove that your work is authentic, but you also gain the ability to claim the full value of your cherished collection as an asset if you ever choose to sell the piece to a gallery or collector.
Discover Artwork with the Assurance of a COA
When seeking new and valuable artwork, you can find certified pieces at West Chelsea Contemporary. We are honored to help you procure genuine works, each accompanied by a COA that verifies artists and the value of their creations. Contact us to learn more about COAs and how to build a certified authentic art collection.
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