Five Rules to Avoid Buying a Fake Banksy Print

The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) issued by Pest Control is the most reliable way to confirm that a Banksy print is genuine. Pest Control is the only official authentication body for Banksy works, and any legitimate print should come with one of their COAs.

It’s not enough to simply have a COA, you need to check that the details match the print exactly. Look at the edition number, sheet size, and title to ensure they align. A mismatch could indicate a fake or a forged certificate. Even experienced collectors treat COA verification as the first line of defence against fraud.

Buying through galleries with in-house Banksy experts can provide an additional layer of security. These specialists see hundreds of Banksy works each year, giving them a refined eye for spotting inconsistencies in prints, signatures, or quality.

Be cautious of independent sellers or online-only establishments, particularly those without a long-standing reputation. Unlike established galleries, they may not have the experience, expertise, or vested interest in maintaining credibility. A reputable gallery has both trust and accountability, which can help protect buyers from forgeries.

Whenever possible, view the print in person. This allows you to assess texture, layering, and colour quality directly. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, request multiple high-resolution images from different angles.

Authentic Banksy prints are typically screenprinted with clean, precise layers. Early prints may show slight variations in quality, but the medium should always match known examples. Look for sharp edges, even ink coverage, and correct layering, which are difficult to replicate in counterfeit prints or digital reproductions.

Authentic Banksy prints include edition information, such as the print number and the total size of the edition. However, early prints sometimes contain quirks or errors. For example, a COA may be marked “DN” (duplicate number) because the same edition number was mistakenly assigned twice.

Missing or inconsistent edition details do not automatically indicate a fake, but they require extra caution. Cross-referencing with Pest Control records or gallery documentation can help clarify any anomalies.

Banksy prints are rare and highly desirable. A genuine print will almost always command a high price, reflecting both its quality and scarcity. If a deal seems unrealistically cheap, it should raise a red flag to be further investigated as to why.

While there are occasional exceptions for lesser-known prints, or prints in very poor condition, extremely low prices should be treated as a warning. Combining pricing scrutiny with COA verification and expert guidance provides a stronger safeguard against fraud.