The Seal of the Archive: Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

"In the art market, provenance is everything.
Without certification, a work is just an image. With the Archive's seal, it becomes a recorded piece of history.

WHAT IS THE COA AND WHY IS IT FUNDAMENTAL?

The Certificate of Authenticity (often abbreviated to COA) isn't just a simple accompanying document. It's your artwork's unique identity document .

For all Limited Edition works (A3 Series "Archive" and "Archive Fund"), the certificate is the only instrument that formally guarantees:

  • That the work is original and produced under the direct supervision of the artist Lorenzo Caia.
  • That the numbering shown on the work (e.g. 15/35) is true and recorded in our records.
  • That the work has a collectible value that goes beyond the cost of the materials.

Note: Open editions (A4 "Cabinet" format) are hand-signed but do not require a COA, as the print run is undeclared.


THE "CLOSED RUN" GUARANTEE PROTOCOL

To achieve our standard of excellence and protect our collectors' investment, we adopt a Closed and Guaranteed Mintage policy.

THE ARCHIVE'S PROMISE:

When a limited edition sells out, the original digital master for that specific format is withdrawn. The work will never be reprinted in that size or on that same paper.

This ensures that the number of specimens in circulation around the world is fixed and verifiable, a key factor in maintaining value over time.

Detail of the hand-compiled Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for the limited-edition art prints from the Lorenzo Caia Archive. The penciled signature, the blind stamp on the fine paper, and period tools such as sealing wax are visible, guaranteeing the work's collectible value and exclusivity.

ANATOMY OF YOUR CERTIFICATE

Each COA is filled out individually when the artwork is shipped. It's a physical document, printed on high-quality paper, that should be carefully stored (ideally on the back of the frame or in a secure folder).

The document includes the following non-falsifiable data:

  1. Title of the Work and Visual Thumbnail: For immediate identification of the subject.
  2. Progressive Numbering: Must correspond exactly to the number written in pencil on the work (e.g. *Example No. 12 of 20*).
  3. Technical Specifications: Details on the printing method (Giclée Pigment) and the paper used (e.g. *Hahnemühle Cotton Rag 300gsm*).
  4. Date of Issue and Signature: The original handwritten signature of Lorenzo Caia and/or the dry stamp of the Archive that validates the document.

Protect your investment.
If the work is resold in the future, galleries or private buyers will require the COA to confirm its value. Keep it as a proof of ownership.

EXPLORE CERTIFIED EDITIONS