What's the value of?...

[KnightOfTruth]

So as I'm fairly new to art collecting what is generally worth more an art piece that is labelled "proof" or a numbered piece which is identical? For instance, I've seen some art where its xxx/5,000 or something, but found that identical piece with the words "proof" where the # is listed on the others? Which would be worth more? Also, what if the # I found was 1/x,xxx? Would that change the approximate worth?

So, in summary - 3 pieces of the same art:

1) "PROOF"
2) xxx/xx,xxx
3) 1/xx,xxx

Thanks for helping!

[Redmagster]

Originally Posted by KnightOfTruth

So as I'm fairly new to art collecting what is generally worth more an art piece that is labelled "proof" or a numbered piece which is identical? For instance, I've seen some art where its xxx/5,000 or something, but found that identical piece with the words "proof" where the # is listed on the others? Which would be worth more? Also, what if the # I found was 1/x,xxx? Would that change the approximate worth?

So, in summary - 3 pieces of the same art:

1) "PROOF"
2) xxx/xx,xxx
3) 1/xx,xxx

Thanks for helping!

I was collecting art before VG collector editions and find the whole proof thing fascinating...

In general collecting terms the order of value is:
1. Proof
2. 1/xx,xxx
3. xxx/xx,xxx

I shall elaborate...

[Redmagster]

The reason for the differences in value are generally due to scarcity and desirability..

The term proof came into play late 18th century when a small number of prints would be produced for collectors, usually before any inscription was added to the final print. Since prints weren't usually numbered or signed a proof only had real value if it differed n some way from the final print.

Now that editions are often numbered and signed a proof either differs materially from the finished print in that it somehow shows the work in progress (the MacFarlane Kennedy figure being a prime example) or is a limited run given to the artist themselves and not designed to be sold but rather gifted to friend or those involved in producing or distributing the artists work
The Kennedy piece is unusual in that the proofs are numbered sequentially to the overall run - ie they are 1 to 50 then the run itself is numbered to 950 so the total run includes the artist proof.

Art historians and collectors view working proofs as especially desirable because of rarity and insight into the work in progress and because they may have belonged to the artist.

Collectors also usually prefer final artist's proofs even when they are identical to the main edition since they may have been given to a friend by the artist.

An artist's proof has special value because of its extra rarity and its possible differences from the "standard" print, factors that are often reflected in its price.

The number 1 of any limited run is always valued higher than any other number in the run - purely down to the competitive nature of the human heart...

[Vikingo82]

Originally Posted by KnightOfTruth

So as I'm fairly new to art collecting what is generally worth more an art piece that is labelled "proof" or a numbered piece which is identical? For instance, I've seen some art where its xxx/5,000 or something, but found that identical piece with the words "proof" where the # is listed on the others? Which would be worth more? Also, what if the # I found was 1/x,xxx? Would that change the approximate worth?

So, in summary - 3 pieces of the same art:

1) "PROOF"
2) xxx/xx,xxx
3) 1/xx,xxx

Thanks for helping!

For me always numbered...and numbered and signed better...

If you have a limited run of XXX and you have the 1/XXX and signed.... totally kick ass...

But get this number one....ffffff....truly difficult...

For example a press kit for me will be always the most valuable the number 1 of 1000 like the Batman PK that was on ebay....the others numbers doesn't care for me, but people use to think the lowest the number the most valuable...no sense for me...like having the 100/1000...for me doesn't increase the value...the 1# and the last number yes, the others don't...

For me it's ok if it's numbered...signed and numbered, better....and if you have the 1#....you have the holy grail of this run...

And always depending of the limited run of course...not the same 100 than 1000...