Print Guide: Banksy Because I'm Worthless: Banksy's Because I'm Worthless (2003) print guide. Learn about value, edition details, and how to buy or sell this Banksy print with Andipa Editions. See price and availability below.

  • Banksy Because I'm worthless Print for sale and Meaning

    Banksy Because I'm Worthless

    Banksy’s Because I’m Worthless (2004) is part of the celebrated Placard Rats series, a group of screen prints featuring Banksy’s iconic rat character holding protest signs with provocative slogans. Released in a relatively small edition, the work was produced in both red and pink colourways. The composition combines Banksy’s signature monochrome stencil technique with a single burst of colour used for the text, creating a visually direct and politically charged image. Through humour, irony, and satire, the artwork explores themes of class, protest, and social disenfranchisement, continuing Banksy’s long-standing use of animals as symbols of human behaviour and societal critique.

     

    Artist: Banksy
    Title: Applause 
    Year: 2003
    Medium: Screen print on wove paper

    Size:

    70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.69 inches)
    Edition:  Edition of 150, signed and dated in pencil, Edition of 600 unsigned prints
    Authentication:   Accompanied by full Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity

    Publisher:

    Pictures on Walls, London 
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  • About Banksy Becuase I'm Worthless

    In Because I’m Worthless, Banksy depicts one of his recurring rat figures standing upright while holding a protest placard displaying the phrase “Because I’m Worthless” in vivid red or pink lettering. The slogan parodies the famous L'Oréaladvertising line “Because I’m Worth It”, transforming a message of empowerment into one of social alienation and self-deprecation. Dressed with a peace-symbol necklace, the rat appears as both protester and outsider, embodying themes of marginalisation and resistance. Banksy frequently uses rats as symbols for the overlooked and disenfranchised members of society, creatures that survive within hostile urban environments despite attempts to eradicate them. The stark black-and-white stencil contrasts sharply with the coloured text, directing attention towards the work’s central message. Through humour and ambiguity, Banksy questions the effectiveness of protest and the structures of power within contemporary society and consumer culture.

  • Current Availability

    Banksy's Because I'm Worthless is not currently available. 
     

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  • Banksy Because I'm Worthless

    Edition Notes: 

    Because I'm Worthless was published in an edition of 150, signed and numbered in pencil  and  600 unsigned examples. Generally, proofs and standard edition examples can differ in market value depending on rarity and condition. 

     

    Signature:

    The signed prints are hand-signed by Banksy in pencil. Both the signed and unsigned prints are accompanied by a full Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The presence, condition, and clarity of the signature and COA are key factors in authentication, provenance, and overall value assessment.

     

    Condition:

    Given the age and rarity of Because I'm Worthless, condition is a critical factor in determining value. Each example we handle is carefully examined for foxing, time-staining, handling marks, edge wear, or tears, all of which can impact desirability and price.

     

    Provenance:

    Where possible, provenance is researched and documented: exhibition history, collection records, and publication references can significantly enhance confidence and value for collectors.

     

    Pricing and Value Guidance:

    Due to scarcity and private market activity, prices for Banksy's Because I'm Worthless, can vary widely. As a general guide, values are influenced by: overall condition; edition size; whether it's signed; proof versus standard edition; provenance; and current market demand for Banksy prints. 

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    FAQS

    Is Because I'm Worthless Banksy's first print?

    No, Because I'm Worthless is not Banksy's first print. It was released in 2004 as part of his "Placard Rats" series. Banksy's first commercial print is widely considered to be Rude Copper, released earlier in 2002.

     

    Is Because I'm Wowrthless signed by Banksy?

    The print is and edition of 150 examples signed in pencil as well as 500 unsigned works.

     

    How rare is Banksy's Because I'm Worthless?

    Banksy's Because I'm Worthless is a rare and highly sought-after screenprint.While not one of his ultra-rare single editions, its specific edition sizes, combined with high demand, make it a rare and challenging find on the secondary art market.

     

    Can Andipa Editions source Banksy's Because I'm Worthless privately?

    Yes. We regularly source this print for collectors through our private and trusted network.

     

    How much is Banksy's Because I'm Worthless worth?

    Values vary based on condition, edition type, and provenance. Please do contact Andipa Editions for current market guidance; we'd be delighted to assist you.

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    Sell a Banksy Because I'm Worthless Print

    If you own an original Because I'm Worthless print by Banksy and are considering selling, Andipa Editions would be delighted to assist and present it to our collectors on your behalf. We offer confidential, no-obligation valuations based on current market conditions and can advise on the most appropriate route to market; handling authentication, marketing, and negotiation on your behalf and support this collaborative selling journey at every step.

     

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    Buy a Banksy Because I'm Worthless  Print with Andipa Editions

    Andipa Editions has six decades of experience advising collectors across the world on the acquisition of important prints by Banksy. If Banksy's Because I'm Worthless is not currently available, we can actively source this work privately, conduct full due diligence, prepare condition reports, and manage all logistics, including framing, insured shipping, and international delivery to ensure it reaches you safely and smoothly.

     

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