Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Loyalty
Summary
Loyalty, from 2012, is a compact 12 x 15 inch archival pigment print on 330gsm fine art paper in an edition of 40. Presented as one of the first releases in a run with Cope2, it launched a publisher program alongside Pure Royalty. The small format and tighter edition give it an intimate, entry-level appeal.
Why It Matters
As one of the inaugural prints in Cope2's early edition program, Loyalty carries series-origin significance. Its edition of 40, smaller than the later 60-run releases, makes it comparatively scarcer within that program, a detail collectors tracking the sequence should weigh.
Collector Perspective
Edition of 40 places Loyalty among the tighter runs in this program, and its status as a launch release adds collectible interest. The small format suits intimate display. Confirm signature and numbering; for set-builders, pair it with Pure Royalty and the later titles to complete the sequence.
Historical Context
Released in 2012 to kick off a print run with Cope2, Loyalty marks the beginning of a sustained collaboration between the artist and his publisher. It reflects the early-2010s moment when graffiti veterans formalized their studio output into collectible editions.
FAQ
Is Loyalty an early release?
Yes, the source presents it as one of the first prints in the run with Cope2, alongside Pure Royalty.
How scarce is it?
The edition is 40, tighter than the 60-run releases later in the same program.
What size is it?
It is a compact 12 x 15 inch print on 330gsm fine art paper.
About the Artist
Cope2 (Fernando Carlo, born 1968 in the Bronx, New York) is a graffiti writer who began tagging New York City subway trains in the late 1970s. A veteran of the transit-era writing scene, he built his reputation through prolific throw-ups and bombing before transitioning to gallery work and canvases. His signature bubble-lettered tag has appeared worldwide, and he has collaborated with brands including Adidas, Time magazine, and Converse. Cope2 remains an active figure bridging old-school New York graffiti culture with the contemporary urban-art market.
Collecting Cope2 at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a Cope2 print?
Focus on hand-signed and numbered screen prints or giclees, ideally released through recognized publishers or the artist directly. Check the edition size, the pencil signature, and any embossed or blindstamp marks. Spray-painted originals on canvas or found objects command higher prices but require closer provenance review. At Gauntlet Gallery, each Cope2 piece is documented with its edition details and condition notes.
How is a Cope2 work authenticated?
Cope2 works are typically authenticated through the issuing publisher's certificate of authenticity, the hand signature, and traceable provenance from a gallery or the artist's studio. Because his tag has been widely imitated, matching a signed print to a documented edition is the most reliable path. Gauntlet Gallery pairs each work with its supporting documentation and does not claim any third-party authority the artist does not use.
What drives value in Cope2 works?
Value is driven by medium (unique spray-painted originals over open editions), edition scarcity, condition, and cultural significance tied to his subway-era history. Early or historically documented pieces and notable brand collaborations carry premiums. Signed, numbered, low-edition prints in excellent condition hold value best on the secondary market.