Ansel Adams Authorized Editions : eBay Guides

Hundreds of Ansel Adam pieces are scattered throughout eBay.  What you need to know is that 50% of these are cheap copies and you may be paying too much for what you are getting.  The Ansel Adams company produces Authorized Editions and ships them out to their distributors/wholesalers.  These prints are more valuable than just plain copies.

To give you an idea, an image that is copied through a printer can cost as little as $3.00 - $5.00 each:

• Cost of paper (purchased at bulk pricing - usually the case for retailers): $1.50 per 24" x 36" sheet
• Cost of ink: $1.50 - $3.50 depending on the quality (usually poor quality reproductions)

Authorized Editions are worth 10 times more than those cheap copies.
On the Official Ansel Adams site it states the following:

• "Authorized Edition ensures the high quality image reproduction that Ansel demanded."
• "...they are Authorized Editions, which means made to the highest quality reproduction standards possible."

Most of us know the name Ansel Adams and most of us know the beautiful pieces that he has provided.  The problem is that many of these online reproducers buy one Authorized Edition piece and make multiple copies and resale them for the same price as the original Authorized Editions.  Literally, these reproductions are worth 10+ times less than the original piece. 

About the Authorized Editions (AE).  AE pieces have an embossed seal at the bottom of each picture.  This meaning that the seal is actually on it's own level, not flat to the surface of the picture.  It is not simply a watermark or a ink seal.  Make sure that the company you wish to purchase your piece from can provide a close up image of the seal, proving that it is not just an ink seal or a watermark.  Usually companies that provide good descriptions of the embossed seal (on their listings) know the quality and value of the piece.  Leading them to inform their customers and collectors about the piece and the seal.  I hope this guide helped those who are considering purchasing Ansel Adams pieces.  Happy shopping and stay safe.

Sincerely,
Art City Cafe