About Certificates of Authenticity (COAs)

What are EBSQ Certificates of Authenticity?

EBSQ provides tools and a framework to its member-artists to create and maintain certificates of authenticity for their artwork.

How do I look up and validate a Certificate of Authenticity?

Its Easy. Simply enter the COA ID number in the following area and click the 'Look up' button. You should verify that the COA you recieved reflects the digital COA as shown on the screen. Remember, some artists simply utilize the COA ID number and validation code, so the COA you recieved may not look anything like what we present. The important thing is that they both describe the art you recieved with your COA.

After looking up your COA and you verify that everything is in order, then you should validate the COA with your code. Validation instructions are on the page that appears when you 'look up' your COA.

Why should I validate my Certificate?

Validation prevents the same COA from being sent to multiple individuals. Since it can only be validated once, it will raise red flags if others try to validate the same COA.

What makes EBSQ Certificates different and of value to the collector?

• EBSQ's Certificates are digital. This allows the owner to verify that the certificate they receive is legitimate by using a concept of validation.
• Each certificate has a Digital ID and validation code. Being digital and verifiable provides a great layer of protection that we feel is impossible to circumvent. A COA can only be validated once (except for transfer, see below), which prevents the same COA number from being used twice. (The COA can always be viewed online even after it is validated and 'locked').
• Our Certificates cannot be forged. The COA ID can only be generated by artists at EBSQ. When validating a COA, the visitor will be presented with an image of the work and other details pertinent to the art.
• EBSQ's Certificates are physically cataloged. We keep an eye on the COAs that our members create to help assure they are used in a responsible - trustworthy manner.
• Our Certificates can be transferred. Our certificates can be unlocked prior to transfer. This way, a new recipient can be assured that the COA is legitimate.

What do these certificates look like and how can I tell if mine is authentic?

Showing the work of Mindy Goldman

The crux of an EBSQ Certificate of Authenticity is its ID number and validation code. Regardless of what the certificate actually looks like, to be authentic it must carry these two numbers and must be verifiable using the validation tool above.

COAs printed by our member-artists using tools at EBSQ have the following components.

• 1. A picture representing the art for which the COA represents.
• 2. Details about the art. This should include the name of the artist, title, dimensions, date of the work, and the type of work (i.e. original, print, etc.). If the type of work is a print, the edition number should appear here.
• 3. An area for the artist to sign and date the COA.
• 4. The COA ID and the validation code.

Do all EBSQ artists use these certificates? Should I be concerned if I don't receive a certificate?

No. It is important to understand that EBSQ does not wish to interfere with the way its member-artists conduct their business. EBSQ members are not required to use any certificate of authenticity.

We do, however, encourage our members to at a minimum provide a personally signed note with their work.

We encourage you to request a COA of some form when buying any art.

What if I have problems, concerns or questions about an EBSQ COA or Artist?

In the event of disputes between artist's and buyers, including but not limited to COAs, payment issues, items damaged in shipping, and other items related to customer satisfaction, EBSQ will attempt to arbitrate and resolve issues. For assistance, please contact us at info@ebsqart.com.