Jasper Johns Artwork Value | Prices, Originals vs Prints, How to Sell

At-a-glance: Jasper Johns

A pivotal figure bridging Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, Johns transformed familiar imagery — flags, targets, numbers — into iconic works, and his prints remain among the most collected in postwar American art.

Bio

Name: Jasper Johns
Years Active: 1954–present
Nationality: American

Style

Neo-Dada and Proto-Pop. Flags, targets, numbers, maps, and crosshatch patterns rendered in encaustic, oil, and extensive print editions.

What to look for

Field catalogue raisonné inclusion, ULAE or Gemini G.E.L. blindstamps, pencil signatures with edition numbers, period-appropriate paper and inks.

What Johns works do people actually own?

Like Warhol and Lichtenstein, Johns built an extensive print practice alongside his paintings. Understanding whether you have an original print or reproduction is the essential first step — most "Johns prints" in homes are museum posters, not original editions.

Reproductions and unsigned posters — under $100
Museum reproductions and commercial posters of Johns' iconic Flag and Target paintings are extremely common. These are decorative items with no value as original art regardless of framing quality.
Signed exhibition posters — $1,000–$5,000
Posters from Johns exhibitions that he signed in pencil have modest collector value. These are not fine art editions but are collectible as signed ephemera. Unsigned exhibition posters remain decorative only.
Signed prints (secondary subjects) — $10,000–$100,000
Documented print editions from publishers like ULAE, Gemini G.E.L., or Petersburg Press. Crosshatch, numeral, and other non-iconic subjects fall in this range. Look for pencil signatures, edition numbers, and publisher blindstamps.
Signed prints (Flag, Target subjects) — $50,000–$500,000+
Johns' iconic Flag and Target prints command the highest prices. Early editions in vibrant condition and large-format prints bring premiums. These are documented in the Field catalogue raisonné with specific edition information.
Drawings and works on paper — $500,000–$20,000,000
Original drawings, watercolors, and unique works on paper. These are museum-caliber pieces requiring provenance documentation and scholarly vetting.
Paintings — $5,000,000–$110,000,000
Original Johns paintings are rarely available. His 1958 Flag sold for approximately $110 million in a private sale (2010); his auction record is $36 million (2014). If you believe you have one, extensive vetting is required.

Upload your piece for a specific assessment based on catalogue documentation and current market data.

How to verify Johns authenticity

Authentication for Johns prints is well-documented through catalogue raisonné research. Before getting a valuation, gather these details:

Catalogue raisonné: Richard S. Field's definitive catalogue documents Johns prints from 1960–1993 with images, edition sizes, publishers, and technical details — verify your print appears in this reference
Publisher blindstamps: ULAE (Universal Limited Art Editions), Gemini G.E.L., and Petersburg Press worked extensively with Johns — look for their blindstamps or documentation
Signature and edition: Johns signs prints in pencil in the lower margin, typically with edition numbers (e.g., 23/65). Compare signature style to documented examples from the same period
Paper and technique: Each edition uses specific paper and printing techniques documented in the catalogue. Experts can identify paper inconsistencies
Living artist authentication: Johns is still active — his studio can provide authentication opinions for major works and unique pieces

Upload photos of the front, back, signature, blindstamps, and any documentation for a preliminary assessment.

Get Free Valuation

Jasper Johns artwork FAQs

For prints, verify your work in Richard S. Field's catalogue raisonné, which documents Johns prints from 1960–1993 with images, edition sizes, and publisher information. Look for ULAE or other publisher blindstamps. Johns is still living — his studio can provide authentication opinions for major works. For general guidance on distinguishing originals from reproductions, see our original vs print artwork guide.

Johns prints are original works created with the artist at prestigious publishers like ULAE (Universal Limited Art Editions). They feature specific papers, inks, publisher blindstamps, pencil signatures, and edition numbers. Reproductions — museum posters and commercial prints — lack these characteristics and are worth under $100. Understanding this distinction is essential before getting a valuation.

Authentic Johns prints show publisher blindstamps (ULAE, Gemini G.E.L., etc.), pencil signatures, edition numbers, and specific paper consistent with the documented edition. Compare your print to the Field catalogue raisonné. A free appraisal can help assess whether your print has the characteristics of a documented edition.

Flag and Target subjects command the highest prices for prints — major Flag prints can reach $200,000–$500,000+. Early editions in vibrant condition and large-format prints bring premiums. Among postwar American artists, Johns prints rival Warhol and Lichtenstein in collector demand.

For prints valued above $25,000, Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips are appropriate venues. Specialist contemporary art dealers also handle Johns prints. For pieces valued over $1,000, we can help connect you with the right channel — see our selling guide for more details.

Johns signs prints in pencil in the lower margin, typically alongside edition numbers. Compare your signature to documented examples from the same period in the catalogue raisonné. Signatures on reproductions are printed, not hand-drawn. Publisher blindstamps and proper paper are equally important authentication markers.

How to sell Jasper Johns artwork

Ready to sell your artwork? Here's the process for Johns pieces at any value level.

1

Get a valuation

Upload photos and we'll determine if you have a documented print edition, exhibition poster, or reproduction — each has very different values and market approaches.

2

Verify catalogue raisonné listing

For prints, we'll match your work to the Field catalogue to confirm authenticity, identify the specific edition and publisher, and assess condition relative to comparable impressions.

3

Choose the right channel

Under $25K: Specialist print dealers, vetted online platforms.
$25K–$100K: Major auction house prints sales.
$100K+: Christie's, Sotheby's, or Phillips contemporary evening sales; private dealers.

4

Prepare documentation

Gather provenance records, catalogue raisonné reference, condition reports, and any prior appraisals. Well-documented Johns prints have an active market and sell efficiently when priced correctly.

Ready to get a free Jasper Johns valuation?

Upload photos of your artwork — front, back, signature, and any blindstamps or documentation — and receive a research-backed estimate with guidance on authenticity, pricing, and selling options.