Limited edition prints and artistic replications can increase in value rather rapidly, particularly if subsequent print releases do well on the open market. Indeed, seasoned art collectors often only go after limited edition prints in the hope of 'hitting the jackpot.' So what are some good tips for limited edition print collectors?

First off, do what you can to get prints autographed by the original artists. Autographed prints, lithographs, and reproductions all tend to sell at high auction value. Even if a particular work of art doesn't make it to the mainstream or garner critical attention, if the artist matures and later gains exposure, your autographed prints will skyrocket in value. Moreover, it's rewarding to gain a personal connection with the creative spirit.

In general, prints take on far greater value when a limited edition sets contains few reproductions. Be wary of investing thousands of dollars in reproductions or reprints of limited editions by celebrity artists, such as Picasso, Renoir, Monet, and others. These pieces, while solid investments, will not likely appreciate that much, and they don't carry nearly the cultural cachet of original paintings.

In regards to caring for your prints, framing them may preserve them from environmental degradation. While humidity, temperature, acidity, and environmental contamination impact original paintings far more than these factors harm prints, you should use caution when storing any valuable autographed works. Before auctioning a limited edition piece, triangulate its value by looking up what similar prints have sold for over the past 10 years.