A Guide to Jeff Koons Prints and Their Value
Are you looking to sell your Jeff Koons print but don’t know where to start?
At Mark Littler LTD, we make selling your print effortless. Forget the hassle of reaching out to multiple auctioneers and dealers, uncertain about who will provide the best value. Rely on our decades of experience and trusted network to connect you with buyers who guarantee top prices and exceptional service. Let us take the guesswork out of the process, so you can sell with confidence.
Please use the form below to submit images of your Jeff Koons print and receive a free, no-obligation valuation from a specialist. We will also actively seek the highest offer from our network of private collectors to help you sell your Jeff Koons print.
Get a Free Valuation for Your Jeff Koons Print
"*" indicates required fields
Market Analysis: Jeff Koons Print Market 2015-2025
The print market for Jeff Koons has shown remarkable stability over the past decade, according to data from Artprice.com.
Turnover in 2024 reached £149,000, representing a modest 90% increase from 2015’s figure of £78,452. This steady growth contrasts sharply with the volatile swings seen in other blue-chip contemporary artists’ markets during the same period.
The short-term trend (2019-2024) reveals consistent year-on-year growth since the pandemic-affected 2021 low of £73,299, culminating in 2024’s decade-high turnover. This upward trajectory suggests growing collector confidence in Koons’s print market.
Lot volume has remained relatively consistent throughout the decade, averaging about 21 lots annually, with a slight uptick to 27 lots in 2024. The unsold percentage has stubbornly remained high, averaging 44% across the decade with little variation, indicating persistent selectivity among collectors.
This analysis suggests a mature, stable market for Koons’s prints that has avoided both the speculative bubbles and dramatic corrections that have characterised some of his contemporaries, offering steady if unspectacular returns for collectors.
Jeff Koons Print Values: Auction Records and Investment Potential
Jeff Koons’ most sought-after prints come from his notorious and highly controversial Made in Heaven series, which featured Koons and his then-wife in a variety of sexually explicit poses. Prints from the series are extremely rare, since Koons destroyed many of them after the marriage broke up. Dirty Ejaculation is print number one from an edition of one, along with one artist’s proof, and it was sold at Sotheby’s in May 2024 for £95,353. The proof for Wolfman was destroyed, and the unique print achieved £182,468 at Christie’s in November 2002, setting a new record for the artist.
Most Koons prints achieve more modest prices at auction. According to Artprice data, the majority tend to fetch between £1,000 and £5,000, though a significant proportion have reached up to £50,000. Prints do not make up a huge part of the artist’s oeuvre, and in fact they only account for 12% of his work sold at auction. Despite this, in 2024 alone, they still generated a turnover of £149,000.
Koons’ Equilibrium series is also exceptionally popular at auction, with The Williams achieving £94,560 at Sotheby’s in November 2014, and Board Room fetching £73,308 at Christie’s in May 2011. Prints from Koons’ Luxury and Degradation series are rare at auction, with most having been created in an edition of just two plus an artist’s proof, but when they do come up, they can fetch high prices; I Assume You Drink Martell, for instance, achieved £44,163 at Christie’s in November 2002. More recently, Koons’ Gazing Ball series has attracted attention, and prints from the series ted to sell for between £10,000 and £30,000 at auction, with Gazing Ball (da Vinci Mona Lisa) fetching £36,350 at Christie’s in October 2021.
What Factors Determine Jeff Koons Print Values? Expert Valuation Guide
Jeff Koons is a controversial British artist who first rose to fame in the mid-1980s, and who has since established his reputation as one of the most popular and commercially successful artists alive today. His sculptures regularly sell for astronomical prices, with one of his stainless steel Rabbit sculptures so far holding the record after selling at Christie’s in May 2019 for over £62 million. Koons prints, however, are available for more modest sums, and the artist’s popularity can make them an attractive investment opportunity for collectors. When assessing the worth of a Jeff Koons print, it’s important to consider things such as condition and provenance, as well as the following:
ARTIST SIGNATURE
Not all Jeff Koons prints are signed, but those which are can usually expect to fetch higher prices than their unsigned counterparts. Quite a few unsigned prints are instead accompanied by a certificate of authenticity which has been signed by the artist, and this will invariably increase the value of a print.
EDITION NUMBER
As is common in the art world, Koons prints from small or limited editions can expect to reach higher prices than prints from larger editions. Unique prints like the aforementioned Wolfman and Dirty Ejaculation can command a premium at auction due to their rarity.
The Most Expensive Jeff Koons Prints Ever Sold
Thinking about selling your Jeff Koons print? You might be sitting on a small fortune!
Click here to discover the six most expensive prints ever sold (and see how yours compares).
- Wolfman
- Dirty Ejaculation
- The Williams
- Board Room
- I Assume You Drink Martell
- Gazing Ball (da Vinci Mona Lisa)
How Print Condition Affects Value and Key Issues to Look Out For
A print’s condition greatly influences its value. Generally, prints in good condition command higher prices, though other factors may also impact worth. Assessing condition often involves removing the print from its frame for close inspection, ideally with advice from a print restorer. Key issues include:
Light Fading
Prolonged sunlight or bright artificial light exposure can cause colours and inks to fade, especially in prints made with lower-quality materials. This damage is usually irreversible.
Paper Discolouration
Discolouration can result from light exposure, stains, or foxing (small reddish-brown spots). Foxing worsens over time, especially in older prints, though it can often be treated by experts.
Physical Damage
Tears, creases, folds, and scratches may result from mishandling, age, or frame breakage. Many can be repaired, depending on the damage.
Acid Burn
Acidic mounting and framing materials can cause dark borders and discolouration. Fortunately, these marks are often reversible with specialist help.
Adhesive Residue
Acidic adhesives like tape degrade paper over time. While some adhesive damage can be treated, it’s preferable if prints aren’t mounted on poor-quality or acidic backings.
How Mark Littler LTD Help
Send us details about your print using the form above.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
We’ll send you a valuation together with any offers we received and give you advice on how best to sell.
Need help with the logistics? We have a fully insured courier service available.
Simply sit back and wait for the funds to arrive.
Read More About Iconic 20th Century Artists
Jeff Koons Print Selling FAQ
What affects the value of my Jeff Koons print?
The value of your Jeff Koons print is influenced by several factors, including rarity, condition, and commercial appeal. Limited edition prints, particularly those with smaller runs, are generally more valuable due to their scarcity. The condition of the print is also crucial; well-preserved prints in excellent condition tend to be worth more than those with damage or wear.
The image itself and the fame of the artist are important factors to consider as well; if the print is a popular work by a renowned artist, this can significantly boost its value, but even lesser-known works by the same artist may still be worth considerable sums. Additionally, prints from widely recognised editions or those with a strong market history often offer more buyer confidence, which can increase their value.
That said, there are exceptions to these trends, as factors like provenance and unique characteristics can sometimes outweigh the usual rules.
How do I authenticate my Jeff Koons print?
To authenticate your Jeff Koons print, start by checking for any certificates of authenticity (also known as COAs) or accompanying documentation. Some artists have specific methods for verifying prints, such as unique signatures, stamps, or marks. Banksy, for instance, has Pest Control. The process can vary by artist, so researching their particular practices is a good idea.
We can assist with this process before sale to ensure proper verification.
Is a signed or unsigned print more valuable?
Signed limited edition prints generally hold the most value. Some prints – like chromolithographs or offset prints – are reproductions and aren’t limited in number unless the artist signs them, thereby restricting production. Other print methods, such as lithographs, involve unique processes but still typically need to be signed to hold significant value. In most cases, the artist’s signature is crucial in confirming both the print’s authenticity and its rarity.
What if I don’t have proof of purchase or provenance?
If you don’t have proof of purchase or provenance, it can affect the value of your print, depending on its age and artist. For mid-20th-century artists like L.S. Lowry, formal provenance may not be available, as these prints were often produced at lower costs before the art market grew. However, for modern prints by reputable artists like Banksy, full provenance is typically expected and essential for establishing value. Without provenance, verifying authenticity through expert authentication may be necessary.
How should I assess the condition of my artwork?
When assessing the condition of your artwork, look for three main types of damage: stains and marks on the surface of the print, fading to the artwork, and glue mounting.
Stains and surface damage, like foxing (small brown spots), are usually fairly easy to see, especially on older prints. It’s also worth checking for frame or mount burn, which can occur when non-acid-free materials react with the paper, causing discoloration.
Fading occurs when ink loses colour due to prolonged UV light exposure, and it is irreversible. While stains, marks, and other surface damage may be restorable, fading cannot be fixed.
Glue mounting is another factor that can impact the condition of your artwork. Prints were once glued to cardboard mounts to keep them flat, but this can cause damage and is difficult to reverse without further harm to the print.
Should I restore my artwork if it’s damaged?
In general, it’s often worth restoring a print if the damage is salvageable within a reasonable budget. However, determining that budget can be tricky. For example, you wouldn’t likely spend £3,000 restoring a print by L.S. Lowry that’s only worth £5,000, but spending the same amount on a Banksy print might be more justifiable due to its higher value.
We can offer advice on whether restoration is worthwhile before sale to help you make the best decision for your artwork.
When is the best time to sell my Jeff Koons artwork?
In reality, there’s no perfect time to sell your print—timing the market is difficult, and hindsight is always clearer. What matters most is handling the sale as effectively as possible, whether by securing the highest private offer or entering an auction with a substantial marketing budget and a broad private buyer base. It’s worth noting that local auctions may not be the best option for high-value prints. At Mark Littler Limited, we can advise on the best course of action, whether through auction or private sale.
Where can I sell my Jeff Koons artwork?
The most common route to sell prints is through auction, but not all auctions are equal. While local auctions may seem like a convenient option, there’s no substitute for the depth of expertise and specialism offered by larger, well-established auction houses. They provide better marketing, reach, and the confidence that comes with expert auctioneers who can assure buyers of the print’s value. Alternatively, you can also sell privately. At Mark Littler Limited, we can assist with both auction and private sale options to help you choose the best route for your print.
What are the pros and cons of selling via auction vs. private sale?
Auctions have the advantage of being able to transact prints quickly, typically within a three to six-month period. There’s also the potential for “auction fever,” where buyers may bid more than the print’s expected value. Auctions can sometimes achieve higher prices than galleries or dealers, as buyers feel they have control over setting the price. However, auctions come with more risk: the reserve price can’t exceed the low estimate, and the estimate must be attractive enough to draw in buyers.
Private sales offer more security, as the sale price is guaranteed, eliminating the risks associated with auction. However, private sales aren’t always possible for every print. At Mark Littler Limited, we can help you decide whether auction or private sale is the best option for your print, and in some cases, we can even facilitate private sales.
This article from the BBC has a good overview of the pros and cons on the various sales methods.