Share on twitter
Share on facebook
Share on pinterest
Share on email

Laugh Now Auction Results

BY

BANKSY
Laugh Now, 2003
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Sheet: 70×50 cm (27 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches)
Printer & Publisher: Pictures on Walls, London
Editions: 600 unsigned, 150 signed, 69 signed AP

Numbering and Signature
Numbered in pencil without the pubisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Signed and dated in black ink, lower right

 

 


Auction Market Overview


Laugh Now (unsigned)

The market trajectory of Laugh Now unsigned presents one of the clearest examples of speculative expansion and normalization within the Banksy print market. More than many other unsigned editions, Laugh Now benefits from the extraordinary recognizability of its image. The monkey motif became one of Banksy’s most enduring visual signatures, functioning simultaneously as satire, social criticism, and self-portrait of the outsider artist.

Before 2020, the market remained relatively stable. Prices generally fluctuated between approximately $18,000 and $40,000, positioning the work as an important but still accessible Banksy edition. The dramatic acceleration began during the second half of 2020. As global liquidity increased and online auctions expanded aggressively during the pandemic, Banksy prints became highly speculative assets. Laugh Now emerged as one of the strongest beneficiaries of this market frenzy. The December 2020 Phillips Hong Kong result at approximately $113,645 marked the symbolic peak of this euphoric period. Multiple additional sales above $90,000 confirmed that the phenomenon was broad rather than isolated.

The market remained elevated throughout 2021 and most of 2022, with median prices frequently exceeding $70,000. However, the correction progressively accelerated afterward as supply increased and speculative demand faded. From 2023 onward, the market entered a normalization phase. Prices compressed into the $25,000–$50,000 range before stabilizing closer to $20,000–$32,000 in 2024 and 2025.

Importantly, liquidity remains strong. Laugh Now continues to trade regularly through Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Phillips, Bonhams, Forum Auctions, and regional auction houses, indicating continued collector interest despite the correction.

Several important conclusions emerge:

  1. Laugh Now experienced one of the strongest pandemic-era speculative cycles among major Banksy unsigned editions.
  2. The monkey image retains exceptional cultural and market recognition.
  3. The current market appears substantially healthier and more rational than the speculative conditions observed during 2020–2021.
  4. Even after correction, valuation levels remain structurally above pre-pandemic prices.
  5. Laugh Now remains one of the cornerstone unsigned Banksy editions and continues to function as a key market barometer for Banksy prints overall.

 

Laugh Now (signed)

The market for Laugh Now (signed) occupies a very different position from its unsigned counterpart. While both editions benefited from the extraordinary Banksy market expansion during the pandemic years, the signed version established itself as one of the strongest and most desirable signed Banksy editions overall. The image itself plays a central role in this valuation dynamic. Laugh Now is widely considered one of Banksy’s definitive compositions: the monkey carrying the phrase “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge” became one of the artist’s most recognizable and historically important motifs. The work combines humor, political cynicism, anti-authoritarian commentary, and self-referential irony in a single instantly legible image.

Before 2020, the market remained relatively stable. Signed impressions generally traded between approximately $40,000 and $65,000. Already at this stage, Laugh Now (signed) was viewed as a major Banksy edition rather than merely an accessible print. The speculative acceleration that transformed the Banksy market during 2020 and especially 2021 pushed Laugh Now signed into an entirely different valuation category. Prices rapidly moved into six-figure territory, culminating in the extraordinary Bonhams London result from February 2021 at approximately $282,720. This sale remains one of the clearest symbols of the speculative exuberance that defined the Banksy market during the pandemic era. Importantly, however, multiple additional results above $180,000 and even above $200,000 confirm that the work possessed exceptional market momentum at the time.

Compared with the unsigned version, the signed edition demonstrated significantly greater resilience after the market correction began. While prices gradually normalized during 2022, 2023, and 2024, the decline was substantially less severe than for many secondary Banksy editions.

Recent results between approximately $66,000 and $95,000 suggest that Laugh Now (signed) has entered a more stable collector-driven valuation phase. This is particularly significant given the broader correction observed across the Banksy print market.

Several conclusions emerge clearly from the data:

  1. Laugh Now signed remains one of the most important and culturally recognizable signed Banksy editions.
  2. The work experienced an extraordinary speculative expansion during 2020–2021, but retained stronger long-term value support than many other Banksy prints.
  3. Collector confidence appears materially stronger in the signed market than in the unsigned market.
  4. The image’s iconic status within Banksy’s mythology contributes directly to its resilience.
  5. Even after correction, prices remain dramatically above pre-pandemic levels, confirming the structural expansion of the Banksy collector base.

The comparison between signed and unsigned editions is especially revealing. While the unsigned market corrected sharply back toward the $20,000–$30,000 range, the signed version continues to maintain values often exceeding $70,000. This demonstrates the growing importance collectors place on rarity, signature authentication, and blue-chip positioning within the Banksy market. Overall, Laugh Now (signed) now appears less like a speculative print and increasingly like a mature trophy edition within the contemporary print market.

 

 


Laugh Now (unsigned)


2026 Auction Results


Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 15 July 2026
London, UK

Estimated: GBP 14,000 – 16,000
GBP 14,500 (Hammer)
GBP 19,664 / USD 26,620

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 160/600
Heritage Auctions: 14 July 2026
Dallas, USA
Estimated: USD 20,000
USD 32,500
GBP 24,000 / USD 32,500

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
SBI Art Auction: 11 July 2026
Tokyo, Japan
Estimated: JPY 1,000,000 – 1,500,000
JPY 4,140,000
 GBP 19,260 / USD 26,010

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 24 June 2026
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 16,000
GBP 18,750
GBP 18,750 / USD 25,120

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 372/600
Artnet Auctions: 29 May 2026
New-York, USA
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 18,750
GBP 13,885 / USD 18,750

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 19 March 2026
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 15,000
GBP 11,500 (Hammer)
GBP 15,148 / USD 20,255

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 160/600
Heritage Auctions: 29 January 2026
Dallas, USA
No Estimates Received – No Reserve
USD 33,750
GBP 24,435 / USD 33,750

 

2025 Auction Results


Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 468/600
Deutscher and Hackett: 26 November 2025
Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Estimated: AUD 30,000 – 40,000
AUD 36,818
GBP 18,000 / USD 23,830

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 272/600
Christie’s London: 30 September 2025
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 18,000
GBP 15,240
GBP 15,240 / USD 20,485

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 76/600
Sotheby’s London: 24 September 2025
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000
GBP 19,050
GBP 19,050 / USD 25,630

2024 Auction Results


 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: Aside (Lazarides Proof)
Julien’s Auctions: 31 October 2024
Los Angeles, USA
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 39,000
GBP 30,240 / USD 39,000

 

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 554/600 DN
Sotheby’s online: 26 September 2024
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 25,000
GBP 20,400
GBP 20,400 / USD 27,152

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600

Forum Auctions: 30 April 2024
London, UK

Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000

GBP 13,000 (Hammer)
GBP 17,420 / USD 21,775

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 493/600
Rosebery’s London: 23 April 2024
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 15,000
GBP 26,240
GBP 26,240 / USD 32,800

 

2023 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 8 Lots
# Lots passed: 2 Lots
Average Price: GBP 39,960 (USD 49,585)
Top Price: GBP 75,600 (USD 92,990)
@ Phillips London on 19 January 2023 

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 281/600
LA Modern: 12 October 2023
Los Angeles, USA
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 40,000
USD 27,720
GBP 22,790 / USD 27,720

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 406/600
Sotheby’s online: 26 September 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 31,750
GBP 31,750 / USD 38,620

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 302/600 DN
Roseberys London: 5 September 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 20,800
GBP 20,800 / USD 26,165

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 311/600
International Art Center: 25 July 2023
Aukland, NEW ZEALAND
Estimated: NZD 80,000 – 100,000
NZD 81,855
GBP 39,500 / USD 50,940

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 546/600
Sotheby’s online: 20 April 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 40,000
GBP 50,800
GBP 50,800 / USD 63,240

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 258/600
Bonhams London: 19 April 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 38,100
GBP 38,100 / USD 47,400

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 457/600
Christie’s online: 14 March 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 40,320
GBP 40,320 / USD 49,595

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 325/600
Phillips London: 23 January 2023
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 75,600
GBP 75,600 / USD 92,990

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 325/600
Bonhams Los Angeles: 3 October 2023
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
PASSED


XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 300/600 DN
Bonhams London: 2 June 2023
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
PASSED

2022 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 6 Lots
# Lots passed: 3 Lots
Average Price: GBP 51,815 (USD 65,025)
Top Price: GBP 56,280 (USD 76,540)
@ Forum Auctions on 3 March 2022 

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 197/600
New Auction: 26 November 2022
Tokyo, JAPAN
Estimated: JPY 4,500,000 – 6,500,000
JPY 9,775,000
GBP 57,640  / USD 70,300

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
SBI Art Auction: 29 October 2022
Tokyo, JAPAN
Estimated: JPY 4,000,000 – 7,000,000
JPY 9,545,000
GBP 55,835 / USD 64,725

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 172/600
Sotheby’s online: 17 August 2022
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 24,000 – 35,000
GBP 37,800
GBP 37,800 / USD 45,360
Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 264/600 DN
Sotheby’s online: 26 April 2022
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 45,000
GBP 52,920
GBP 52,920 / USD 66,680

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 99/600
Christie’s online: 15 March 2022
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 50,400
GBP 50,400 / USD 66,530

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 3 March 2022
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 50,000
GBP 42,000 (Hammer)
GBP 56,280 / USD 76,540


XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 160/600
Duke’s Auctioneers: 30 September 2022
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
PASSED


XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 311/600
Christie’s online: 21 September 2022
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
PASSED


XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 300/600 DN
Bonhams London: 21 September 2022
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
PASSED

 

2021 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 7 Lots
Average Price: GBP 58,075 (USD 80,135)
Top Price: GBP 68,750 (USD 95,565)
@ Tate Ward Auctions on 24 March 2021 

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 17 November 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 40,000
GBP 43,750
GBP 43,750 / USD 59,063

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 341/600
Bonhams London: 11 November 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 60,250
GBP 60,250 / USD 81,340

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 29 September 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 48,300
GBP 48,300 / USD 67,135

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 468/600
Christie’s online: 23 September 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 56,250
GBP 56,250 / USD 78,190

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 522/600
Sotheby’s online: 17 September 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 45,000
GBP 56,700
GBP 56,700 / USD 78,815

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600 DN
Forum Auctions: 23 April 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 51,000 (Hammer)
GBP 68,340 / USD 94,995

 

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 24 March 2021
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 68,750
GBP 68,750 / USD 95,565

 

2020 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 11 Lots
Average Price: GBP 61,315 (USD 80,440)
Auction Record Price: HKD 882,000 / USD 113,645 / GBP 84,810
@ Phillips Hong-Kong on 4 December 2020

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 93/600
Bonhams London: 10 December 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 75,250
GBP 75,250 / USD 101,245

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 9 December 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 72,500
GBP 72,500 / USD 97,545

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 279/600
Phillips Hong-Kong: 4 December 2020
Hong-Kong
Estimated: HKD 120,000 – 180,000
HKD 882,000
GBP 84,810 / USD 113,645
AUCTION RECORD FOR LAUGH NOW (UNSIGNED)

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 463/600
International Art Center: 17 November 2020
Aukland, NEW ZEALAND
Estimated: NZD 80,000 – 120,000
NZD 157,650
GBP 81,280  / USD 107,640

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 27 October 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 60,000 (Hammer)
GBP 80,640 / USD 105,360

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 14 October 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 55,000 – 75,000
GBP 72,500
GBP 72,500 / USD 95,700

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 540/600
Bonhams London: 8 October 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000
GBP 68,812
GBP 68,812 / USD 90,830

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 21 July 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000
GBP 38,000 (Hammer)
GBP 51,160 / USD 65,145

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 433/600
Sotheby’s online: 26 March 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 30,000
GBP 30,000 / USD 36,370

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 25 March 2020
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 22,000 – 26,000
GBP 27,500
GBP 27,500 / USD 32,285

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 25 March 2020
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 22,000 – 26,000
GBP 30,000
GBP 30,000 / USD 39,085

2019 Auction Results


Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 459/600
Sotheby’s online: 19 September 2019
England, London
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 16,250
GBP 16,250 / USD 20,275


XXXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Tate Ward Auctions: 10 April 2019
Estimated: GBP 11,000 – 13,000
PASSED

 

2018 Auction Results


Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: XXX/600
Forum Auctions: 28 November 2018
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 11,000 (Hammer)
GBP 14,430 / USD 18,415

Laugh Now (unsigned), 2003
Edition: 365/600
Bonhams London: 28 March 2018
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 5,000 – 7,000
GBP 13,750
GBP 13,750 / USD 19,400

Prior Years Auction Results


 

 


Laugh Now (signed)


2025 Auction Results


Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: XXX/150

Tate Ward: 10 December 2025
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 47,500
GBP 47,500 / USD 63,510

2024 Auction Results


Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 13/150

Tate Ward Auctions: 11 December 2024
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 51,250
GBP 51,250 / USD 66,625

 

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 59/150

Christie’s online: 1 October 2024
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 50,400
GBP 50,400 / USD 67,030

 

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 31/150

Sotheby’s online: 26 September 2024
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 60,000
GBP 60,000 / USD 79,860

2023 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 3 Lots
Average Price: GBP 71,345 (USD 88,655)
Top Price: GBP 76,200 (USD 94,855)
@ Sotheby’s online on 20 April 2023

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 45/150
Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 76,200
GBP 76,200 / USD 92,690

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: XXX/150
Forum Auctions: 30 August 2023
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 46,000 (Hammer)
GBP 61,640 / USD 78,420

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: Aside
Inscribed with a gift, heart and peace symbol, lower left
Sotheby’s online: 20 April 2023
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 76,200
GBP 76,200 / USD 94,855

2022 Auction Results


Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: XXX/150
SBI Art Auction: 12 March 2022
Tokyo, JAPAN
Estimated: JPY 8,000,000 – 14,000,000
JPY 15,525,000
GBP 100,240 / USD 132,320

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: XXX/150
Tate Ward Auctions: 5 October 2022
Estimated: GBP 65,000 – 85,000
PASSED

2021 Auction Results


# Lots sold: 7 Lots
Average Price: GBP 134,455 (USD 187,875)
Auction Record Price: GBP 200,250 / USD 282,720
@ Bonhams London on 25 February 2021

XXXXXXXXXX

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 122/150
Christie’s online: 23 September 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 80,000 – 120,000
GBP 100,000
GBP 100,000 / USD 139,000

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: ASIDE
Inscribed ‘4 BRENDAN’ and with a peace symbol
Sotheby’s online: 17 September 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 100,800
GBP 100,800 / USD 140,110

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 85/150
Bonhams online: 29 June 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 100,250
GBP 100,250 / USD 138,660

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 56/150
Phillips London: 14 June 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 90,000
GBP 151,200
GBP 151,200 / USD 214,705

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 142/150
Christie’s online: 1 April 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 120,000 – 180,000
GBP 137,500
GBP 137,500 / USD 189,750

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 76/150
Sotheby’s online: 18 March 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 151,200
GBP 151,200 / USD 214,705

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 86/150
Bonhams London: 25 February 2021
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 1200,250
GBP 200,250 / USD 282,720
AUCTION RECORD FOR LAUGH NOW (SIGNED)

2019 Auction Results


Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 108/150
Sotheby’s online: 19 September 2019
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 24,000 – 28,000
GBP 47,500
GBP 47,500 / USD 58,190

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: XXX/150
Forum Auctions: 29 January 2019
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 35,000 (Hammer)
GBP 47,140 / USD 61,665

2018 Auction Results


Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 53/150
Christie’s online: 26 September 2018
England, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 25,000
GBP 35,000
GBP 35,000 / USD 45,800

Laugh Now (signed), 2003
Edition: 20/150
Phillips London: 7 June 2018
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000
GBP 30,000
GBP 30,000 / USD 40,280

Prior Years Auction Results


 

 

 


Laugh Now (signed AP)


Laugh Now (signed AP), 2003
Edition: AP/15
Sotheby’s online: 17 August 2022
London, UK
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 75,600
GBP 75,600 / USD 90,720

 

Laugh Now (signed AP), 2003
Edition: AP/37
John Moran: 18 February 2020
Monrovia, CA, USA
Estimated: USD 35,000 – 45,000
USD 93,750
GBP 72,090 / USD 93,750

 

 

 

 

 

wpChatIcon
wpChatIcon