Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
New York City Subway Map III (Standard Edition)
Summary
"New York City Subway Map III" (Standard Edition) is a 2019 giclee by Cope2, printed on 290gsm Moab fine art paper at 17 x 24 inches in an edition of 100. The third installment of his subway-map series, it carries Cope2's own note on his affection for placing work on NYC subway maps as a native New Yorker.
Why It Matters
The artist's stated attachment to the subway-map format underscores why this series matters within his catalog: it is where his biography as a New Yorker meets his practice most directly. As the third entry, it grounds the sequence that continues through later numbered editions.
Collector Perspective
This is the Standard Edition of an edition of 100, a more available tier for series collectors. The 17 x 24 size frames cleanly and matches "IV" from the same year and series. Buyers assembling the roman-numeral sequence will want "III" as an early anchor with the artist's own words attached.
Historical Context
Cope2's remark that he loves putting his work on NYC subway maps, and that they make great pieces given his New York roots, captures the personal logic of the series. The subway map is both civic design icon and graffiti's ancestral home, and this print sits at that intersection.
FAQ
Where does it fall in the series?
It is the third entry, "III," in the NYC Subway Map series.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 100 in this Standard Edition.
Why did Cope2 make it?
He notes his love of placing work on NYC subway maps, connecting to his roots as a native New Yorker.
What are the dimensions?
17 x 24 inches on 290gsm Moab 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.