Original signed documentation:
All COA documentation must be original and hand-signed by the authenticators. Photocopies are NOT acceptable. A valid certificate of authenticity should contain verifiable documented proof or evidence of why the art is genuine. A COA is valid ONLY IF IT STATES CONCLUSIVELY that the art is by the artist whose signature it bears. Any conditional statements found in a certificate of authenticity such as “in our considered opinion…” or “we believe that…” will not be considered as sufficient Authentication.
COA for art by famous artists’ i.e. Rembrandt, Warhol, Picasso, and Chagall etc. should contain the following information:
- The exact title of the art piece
- References to professional publications and/or literature (including the corresponding catalogue number) listing the specific piece, its production date and history, names of publishers (for limited editions), edition sizes (for limited editions), and exact dimensions of the art.
- Names of previous owners, dealers and/or galleries that have sold the art.
- Information about auction history when applicable.
- Any other relevant information that speaks to the art’s history and authenticity.