A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document that accompanies a fine art print to verify its origin, edition status, and authenticity. For collectors, a COA is essential. For buyers purchasing for decoration, it provides peace of mind and adds provenance to the work.
What a COA Should Include
- Photographer’s name and signature
- Title of the photograph
- Edition number and total edition size (for limited editions)
- Print medium and paper specification
- Date of production
- Unique serial number or certificate number
COA at Edin Chavez Fine Art
Every print purchased through edinfineart.com is issued a digital Certificate of Authenticity with a unique serial number, the edition details, the print medium, and the date. The COA is generated automatically and emailed with the order confirmation. Limited edition prints also receive a physical signed COA mailed separately.
Why COA Matters for Value
A COA is the primary mechanism for proving the provenance of a fine art print. Without it, the print cannot be authenticated — which matters significantly if you ever sell or donate the work. Major auction houses and galleries require COA documentation for all photographic works.
About the Photographer: Edin Chavez is a Miami-based fine art photographer published by National Geographic. He is a Nikon professional photographer and a member of the Masters of Photography, with over 20 years of experience across 50+ countries. His fine art prints are available worldwide through edinfineart.com.