Print Guide: Banksy Flying Copper: Banksy's Flying Copper (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 Flying Copper print

    Banksy Flying Copper (Angel Cop)

    Banksy’s Flying Copper (2003) is one of his most recognisable and enduring images, combining political satire with the visual language of rave culture and protest. First introduced during Banksy’s Turf War exhibition in 2003 as life-sized hanging cut-outs, the motif later appeared as a large stencil installation across a railway bridge in Shoreditch, London. Released as a screenprint edition of signed, unsigned, and rare artist proofs, the work quickly became highly sought after among collectors. Through its juxtaposition of militarised policing and cartoon imagery, Flying Copper critiques authority, surveillance, and the perceived power of the modern state within contemporary society.

     

    Artist: Banksy
    Title: Flying Copper
    Year: 2003
    Medium: Screen print on paper

    Size:

    100 x 70 cm (39.4 x 27.6 inches)
    Edition:  Edition of 150, signed and dated in pencil, Edition of 600 unsigned prints, plus proofs
    Authentication:   Accompanied by full Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity

    Publisher:

    Pictures on Walls, London

     

    Availability: not currently available.

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  • About Banksy Flying Copper

    In Flying Copper, Banksy depicts a heavily armed riot policeman equipped with combat gear, a machine gun, and communication devices associated with state control and authority. Replacing the officer’s face, however, is a large yellow smiley face derived from the visual culture of the Acid House movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This absurd contrast forms the conceptual centre of the work, transforming an intimidating figure into something simultaneously comic and unsettling. By combining symbols of policing with imagery linked to youth culture and rebellion, Banksy undermines traditional perceptions of institutional power and authority. The smiley face also appears in other works such as Grin Reaper and Have A Nice Day, where it similarly functions as a satirical device. Through humour and contradiction, Flying Copper critiques the increasing militarisation of policing while exposing the fragile and performative nature of social control and political power structures.

  • Current Availability

    Banksy's Flying Copper is not currently available. 
     

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  • Banksy Flying Copper

    Edition Notes: 

    Flying Copper 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 Flying Copper, 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 Flying Copper, 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 Flying Copper Banksy's first print?

    No, Flying Copper is not Banksy's first print. While it is one of his most iconic early works, debuting in 2003 at his Turf War exhibition in East London, his first official commercial print was Rude Copper, released a year prior in 2002.

     

    Is Flying Copper signed by Banksy?

    The print is and edition of 150 examples signed in pencil as well as 600 unsigned works.

     

    How rare is Banksy's Flying Copper?

    Banksy’s Flying Copper (2003) varies in rarity based on the specific edition. The standard editions range from acessible to highly rare.

     

    Can Andipa Editions source Banksy's Flying Copper privately?

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

     

    How much is Banksy's Flying Copper 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 Fkying Copper Print

    If you own an original Flying Copper 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 Flying Copper 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 Flying Copper 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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