Edition of 50 means that the artwork has been produced in a limited edition of 50 prints. Once those 50 prints have been made, no more should be produced as part of that same edition.
Collectors often see this written as “edition of 50” or through numbering such as 12/50. The first number is the individual print number. The second number is the total edition size.
How to read 12/50
If a print is marked 12/50, it means it is number 12 from an edition of 50. It does not usually mean print number 12 is visually different from the others. It simply identifies the print within the edition.
Is an edition of 50 small?
An edition of 50 is relatively limited, but whether it is considered small depends on the artist, artwork, market and type of print. Some editions are much smaller, while others may be 100, 150 or more.
Edition size should be understood alongside artist, image quality, production and documentation.
Does edition size affect collectability?
It can. A fixed edition creates scarcity because the number of prints is limited. However, scarcity only matters when the artwork and artist are meaningful to collectors.
Read What Is a Limited Edition Artwork?.
What should collectors check?
- Is the edition size clearly stated?
- Is the print numbered?
- Is it signed or certified?
- Are artist proofs included separately?
- Is the edition documented in the certificate?
Final answer
Edition of 50 means there are 50 prints in the main edition. It is a clear way to define scarcity, but collectors should still check quality, condition and documentation.
Related reading
FAQ
Is 1/50 better than 50/50?
Some collectors prefer lower numbers, but the number itself is usually less important than artist, condition and documentation.
Can there be artist proofs outside the edition of 50?
Yes. Artist proofs may exist outside the main numbered edition if clearly stated.
Can an edition of 50 be reprinted?
The same limited edition should not be extended beyond its stated size.
