Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Pure Royalty
Summary
Pure Royalty, from 2012, is a 14 x 12 inch archival pigment print on 330gsm fine art paper in an edition of 40. Released alongside Loyalty as one of the first prints in a run with Cope2, it shares that launch context. The small format and edition of 40 mark it as an accessible early series entry.
Why It Matters
Pure Royalty and Loyalty together open Cope2's early edition program, making this a foundational piece for collectors of that sequence. The regal title extends his lettering into a self-styled statement of stature, fitting for a writer who built an all-city reputation in New York.
Collector Perspective
Edition of 40 keeps this among the scarcer prints in the program, and its launch status adds appeal. The compact format is easy to place. Confirm signature and numbering, and consider pairing it with Loyalty, its sibling release, for collectors assembling the complete early run.
Historical Context
Issued in 2012 as a launch title, Pure Royalty reflects the start of Cope2's structured print collaboration. The early-2010s saw many veteran graffiti writers convert their street authority into collectible editions, and this pairing marks his entry into that model.
FAQ
What was Pure Royalty released with?
It launched alongside Loyalty as one of the first prints in the run with Cope2.
How large is the edition?
The edition is 40, among the tighter runs in this early program.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 14 x 12 inches 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.