Banksy’s anonymity and explosive market value make authentication critical. Pest Control Office is the only official body authorised to issue Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) for Banksy artworks. A COA from Pest Control matters for both resale and insurance purposes of Banksy artworks.
This blog explains a little of how the process works, and how to protect yourself when purchasing or selling Banksy paintings, prints and sculptures.
Why a COA is important?
- Market recognition: Major auction houses, dealers, insurers and collectors generally require a Pest Control COA before accepting or insuring a Banksy work.
- Resale value: Without official authentication, a piece will struggle to trade or fetch its true market price.
- Legal and commercial protection: COAs help prevent fraud and clarify provenance for future buyers. As with any valuable artworks, there will be forgeries, an official COA helps to safe guard buyers and sellers alike.
What Pest Control Will (and Won’t) Authenticate
- Authenticates: Prints, paintings and sculptures attributed to Banksy via formal submission.
- Does not authenticate: Street artworks or most public memorabilia — Pest Control avoids authenticating works removed from public sites or items that could promote unauthorised commercial use of Banksy’s public art.
How to Submit a Work for Authentication
- Documentation required: Detailed provenance (History) and supporting paperwork.
- Images: High-resolution photos from multiple angles are essential. Photographic Identification.
- Submission channel: A formal application must be filed through Pest Control’s official website. Include all requested details to avoid delays.
Fees and Outcomes
- Prints: £100 + VAT processing fee, (currently).
- Unique works (originals): £150 + VAT processing fee (currently).
-No-charge policy: If Pest Control determines the piece is not by Banksy, they will not charge a fee.
Best Practices When Buying a Banksy
-Always ask for the COA before completing a purchase; it should be provided separately from the artwork.
- Verify high-resolution images and provenance documents before committing.
- Use reputable dealers and platforms; insist on transparent history and third-party
verification where available