BANKSY
Barcode, 2004
Screenprint on cream wove paper
Sheet: 50×70 cm (19 3/4 x 27 1/2 inches)
Printer & Publisher: Pictures on Walls, London
Editions: 600 unsigned, 150 signed,
Numbering and Signature
Numbered in pencil, lower right, no publisher’s blindstamp
Some with the Banksy stamp in red ink
Signed either in pencil or in black ink
The auction history of Barcode (unsigned) offers a particularly instructive view of the Banksy print market because it behaves differently from the artist’s most universally iconic images. The work is clever, immediately legible, and deeply Banksy in spirit: a leopard appears to have escaped from a barcode, transforming a familiar symbol of consumer capitalism into both a cage and a trap. It is a concise critique of commodification, consumption, and the illusion of freedom inside the commercial system.
Before the pandemic-era expansion, Barcode traded within a relatively modest range. Between 2018 and 2019, the work generally sold between approximately $15,000 and $21,000, with a pre-boom median around $16,815. At that stage, the print occupied a respected but secondary position within the Banksy market: admired for its intelligence and graphic economy, but not valued at the level of Love Is In The Air, Laugh Now, or Girl With Balloon.
The market changed dramatically in 2020. As demand for Banksy prints intensified, Barcode participated fully in the speculative expansion. Several results approached or exceeded $95,000, and the December 2020 Bonhams London sale at approximately $134,880 marked the strongest result in the dataset. This was an extraordinary repricing for an unsigned edition that had traded around $20,000 only a year earlier.
The momentum continued into 2021, although the market became more uneven. Several sales exceeded $100,000, including results around $105,000 and $110,150, while many others clustered between $45,000 and $85,000. The 2021 median reached approximately $72,000, confirming that the boom was not merely the result of one isolated sale. Barcode had been pulled into the broader Banksy frenzy.
The correction began after 2021 and was severe. By 2022, prices had already compressed into a lower range, mostly between $28,000 and $38,000. By 2023, the market showed only selective strength, with results generally between $28,000 and $40,000. In 2024 and 2025, the correction became more pronounced, with recent sales often returning to the $11,000–$25,000 range.
In 2025, the median price is approximately $18,015. This places Barcode much closer to its pre-pandemic level than several of the stronger Banksy images analyzed so far. That is the essential market lesson: Barcode benefited dramatically from the 2020–2021 boom, but it retained less of that speculative premium once the market normalized.
This does not mean the work lacks importance. Barcode remains one of Banksy’s sharpest critiques of consumer culture, and it continues to trade regularly across respected auction houses including Bonhams, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Phillips, Forum Auctions, Heritage, Tate Ward, and others. Liquidity remains present. What changed is the price collectors are willing to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Barcode (unsigned) experienced a dramatic pandemic-era expansion, rising from a pre-boom range around $15,000–$21,000 to peak results above $100,000.
- The December 2020 Bonhams London result at approximately $134,880 represents the high-water mark of the dataset and should be treated as a peak-cycle result rather than a sustainable benchmark.
- The market corrected sharply after 2021, with 2024–2025 results returning close to pre-pandemic levels.
- The work remains liquid and conceptually strong, but it behaves more like a secondary Banksy image than a blue-chip icon.
- Current prices suggest a more rational collector-driven market, where the work is valued for its wit and critique rather than for speculative momentum.
Barcode is therefore an important case study: it shows that not all Banksy prints benefited equally from the post-2021 normalization. The market has become more discriminating, and Barcode now stands as a useful benchmark for understanding the difference between a strong Banksy image and a truly iconic one.
Barcode (unsigned)
Heritage Auctions: 29 January 2026
No Estimates Received – No Reserve
USD 20,000
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in black on wove paper
Edition: 323/600
Numbered in pencil lower right
Published by Pictures On Walls, London
2025 Auction Results
# Lots sold: 5 Lots
# Lots Passed: 2 Lots
Average Price: GBP 13,045 (USD 17,430)
Top Price: AUD 36,818 (USD 23,830 / GBP 18,000)
@ Deutscher and Hackett on 26 November 2025
XXXXXXXXXX
Tate Ward: 10 December 2025
Estimated: GBP 9,000 – 12,000
GBP 10,575 / USD 14,140
BANKSY (British b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2003
Screenprint on paper
Numbered from an edition of 600 in pencil
Published by Pictures On Walls
XXXXXXXXXX
Deutscher and Hackett: 26 November 2025
Estimated: AUD 30,000 – 40,000
AUD 36,818 / USD 23,830 / GBP 18,000
BANKSY (British, born 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on paper
Numbered 276/600 below image lower right
Stamped lower left: BANKSY
Published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 15 October 2025
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 15,000
GBP 10,200
GBP 13,442 / USD 18,015
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered from the edition of 600, with the red Banksy tag as issued, and the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Lyon & Turnbull: 14 October 2025
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
GBP 8,183 / USD 10,900
BANKSY (BRITISH 1974-)
BARCODE (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint
Numbered 389/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
With BANKSY stamped signature in red ink
XXXXXXXXXX
Karl & Faber: 6 June 2025
Estimated: EUR 10,000 – 15,000
EUR 17,780 / USD 20,270 / GBP 15,015
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Serigraph on firm wove paper
One of 600 numbered copies
With red “BANKSY” stamp lower left
XXXXXXXXXX
Barcode (unsigned) (460/600), 2004
Artcurial Paris: 3 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 15,000 – 20,000
PASSED
XXXXXXXXXX
Barcode (unsigned) (301/600), 2004
Bonhams London: 24 September 2025
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
PASSED
2024 Auction Results
# Lots sold: 3 Lots
Average Price: GBP 16,070 (USD 20,410)
Top Price: GBP 19,680 (USD 25,015)
@ Roseberys London on 5 March 2024
XXXXXXXXXX
Tate Ward Auctions: 20 March 2024
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 18,000
GBP 16,250 / USD 20,610
BANKSY (British 1974-)
Barcode (unsigned), 2003
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 62/600 in pencil, rubberstamped ‘Banksy’ in Red Ink
XXXXXXXXXX
Roseberys London: 5 March 2024
Estimated: GBP 15,000 – 20,000
GBP 19,680 / USD 25,015
BANKSY (British b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors on wove
Numbered 135/600 in pencil, with stamp signature in red
XXXXXXXXXX
Michaan’s Auctions: 16 February 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 15,600 / GBP 12,275
BANKSY (British, b. 1974),
Barcode (unsigned), 2004,
Screenprint on woven paper
Stamped lower left, edition 119/600 lower right
Condition: Previously rolled and handling wear
2023 Auction Results
# Lots sold: 4 Lots
# Lots passed: 2 Lots
Average Price: GBP 27,250 (USD 33,690)
Top Price: GBP 32,760 (USD 40,295)
@ Christie’s Online on 14 March 2023
XXXXXXXXXX
Bonhams London: 6 December 2023
Estimated: GBP 18,000 – 25,000
GBP 23,040 / USD 29,020
BANKSY (British, born 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Numbered 79/600 in pencil
With the artist’s red ink stamp
Published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Bonhams London: 29 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 22,950 / USD 28,255
BANKSY
Barcode, 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 359/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
XXXXXXXXXX
Christie’s Online: 14 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 32,760 / USD 40,295
BANKSY
Barcode, 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
Numbered 536/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
XXXXXXXXXX
Phillips London: 19 January 2023
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 30,240 / USD 37,195
BANKSY
Barcode, 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 342/600 in pencil, lower right
An unsigned impression with the artist’s inkstamp in red
XXXXXXXXXX
Barcode (unsigned) (256/600), 2004
Rosebery’s London: 23 November 2023
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
PASSED
2022 Auction Results
Heritage Auctions: 29 November 2022
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 28,750
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 239/600 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink, lower left
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 8 November 2022
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 32,830 / USD 38,055
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR BARCODE (UNSIGNED) IN 2022
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered from the edition of 600, with the red Banksy tag as issued, with the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Sotheby’s online: 17 August 2022
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 25,200 / USD 30,240
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 323/600 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink, lower left
2021 Auction Results
# Lots sold: 14 Lots
# Lots Passed: 2 Lots
Average Price: GBP 54,395 (USD 74,980)
Top Price: GBP 80,400 (USD 110,150)
@ Forum Auctions on 5 March 2021
XXXXXXXXXX
Tate Ward Auctions: 7 December 2021
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 35,000 / USD 45,790
BANKSY (British 1974-)
Barcode (unsigned), 2003
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 45/600 in pencil, stamped in red ink
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 20 October 2021
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 32,000 (Hammer)
GBP 42,880 / USD 59,605
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (Black stamp) (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in black on wove paper
Stamped with the black Banksy tag
Numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Mallet Japan: 7 October 2021
Estimated: JPY 4,000,000 – 6,000,000
JPY 5,500,000 (Hammer)
JPY 6,407,500 / USD 57,470 / GBP 42,195
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove
Edition: 490/600
XXXXXXXXXX
SBI Art Auction: 18 September 2021
Estimated: JPY 5,000,000 – 8,000,000
JPY 6,555,000 / USD 59,620 / GBP 43,640
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint
Stamped signature on the lower left
Numbered and embossed on the lower right
From the edition of 600
XXXXXXXXXX
International Art Center: 27 July 2021
Estimated: NZD 80,000 – 120,000
NZD 111,625 / USD 82,160 / GBP 59,110
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
XXXXXXXXXX
Bonhams online: 29 June 2021
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 31,500 / USD 43,570
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Numbered 352/600 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Tate Ward Auctions: 24 June 2021
Estimated: GBP 35,000 – 55,000
GBP 42,500 / USD 59,095
BANKSY (British 1974-)
‘Barcode‘ (unsigned), 2003
Numbered from an edition of 600 in pencil
Stamped in red ink
Published by Pictures On Walls
XXXXXXXXXX
Bonhams London: 28 April 2021
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 47,750 / USD 66,375
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors
Numbered 247/600 in pencil
Published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Christie’s online: 1 April 2021
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 56,250 / USD 77,625
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
Numbered 545/600 in pencil
Published by Pictures on Walls, London, with their blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Sotheby’s online: 18 March 2021
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 75,600 / USD 105,085
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint
Numbered 314/600
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
With the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 5 March 2021
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 80,400 / USD 110,150
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR BARCODE (UNSIGNED) IN 2021
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the red Banksy tag
Numbered 533/600 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Heritage Auctions: 10 February 2021
Estimates Not Communicated
USD 93,750 / GBP 67,445
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in black on wove paper
Edition: 239/600
Numbered in pencil and stamped along lower edge
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 27 January 2021
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 46,000 (Hammer)
GBP 61,640 / USD 84,445
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the red Banksy tag as issued
Numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London, with their blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Phillips London: 21 January 2021
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 75,600 / USD 105,000
BANKSY
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Numbered 16/600 in pencil, an unsigned impression
XXXXXXXXXX
Barcode (unsigned) (200/600), 2004
Webb’s: 9 August 2021
Estimated: NZD 90,000 – 160,000
PASSED
XXXXXXXXXX
Barcode (unsigned) (XXX/600), 2004
Forum Auctions: 23 April 2021
Estimated: GBP 55,000 – 70,000
PASSED
2020 Auction Results
Bonhams London: 10 December 2020
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 100,250 / USD 134,880
AUCTION RECORD FOR BARCODE (UNSIGNED)
BANKSY (British, b. 1975)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors
Numbered 408/600 in pencil
Published by Pictures on Walls, London, with their blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 7 December 2020
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 55,000 (Hammer)
GBP 73,700 / USD 97,285
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the red Banksy tag as issued
Numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 27 October 2020
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 55,000 (Hammer)
GBP 73,700 / USD 96,290
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the red Banksy tag as issued
Numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
XXXXXXXXXX
Forum Auctions: 4 September 2020
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 55,000 (Hammer)
GBP 73,700 / USD 97,505
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Stamped with the red Banksy tag as issued
Numbered from the edition of 600 in pencil
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
Barcode (signed)
2025 Auction Results
Barcode (signed) did not sell at auction in 2025.
2024 Auction Results
Christie’s online: 1 October 2024
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 37,800 / USD 50,275
BANKSY
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint in black on wove paper
Signed in pencil, stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
Sated and numbered 78/150 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
XXXXXXXXXX
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 43,520 / USD 55,195
Screenprint
Signed and dated in black ink, numbered 122/150 in pencil
2023 Auction Results
Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 53,340 / USD 64,882
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed in black ink, dated, numbered in pencil 28/150
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
Sotheby’s online: 20 April 2023
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 76,200 / USD 94,857
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR BARCODE (SIGNED) IN 2023
BANKSY
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in black ink, lower left with the BANKSY tag in red ink
Numbered and inscribed 30/150 DN in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Bonhams London: 19 April 2023
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 53,220 / USD 66,210
BANKSY
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in black ink, with the artist’s ink stamp, lower left
Numbered 19/150 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
2022 Auction Results
Bonhams London: 13 December 2022
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 53,220 / USD 65,857
BANKSY
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in black ink, lower left
Numbered 30/150 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Sotheby’s online: 17 August 2022
Estimated: GBP 60,000 – 80,000
GBP 75,600 / USD 90,720
BANKSY
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in pencil, with the BANKSY tag in red ink, lower left
Numbered 96/150 in pencil, lower right
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Forum Auctions: 3 March 2022
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 90,000
GBP 104,250 / USD 142,147
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR BARCODE (SIGNED) IN 2022
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
2021 Auction Results
# Lots sold: 4 Lots
Average Price: GBP 106,600 (USD 147,075)
Top Price: GBP 125,000 (USD 173,750)
@ Tate Ward Auctions on 24 March 2021
XXXXXXXXXX
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 94,000 / USD 126,900
BANKSY (BORN 1974)
Barcode Leopard (signed), 2004
Screenprint
Signed in black ink and numbered 19/150 in pencil
Published by Pictures on Walls, London, with the artist’s ink stamp
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 113,400 / USD 157,625
BANKSY (b. 1974)
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed in pencil, dated, numbered and inscribed 47/150 DN
Stamped with the BANKSY tag in red ink
XXXXXXXXXX
Bonhams online: 29 June 2021
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 94,000 / USD 130,015
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed in black ink and numbered 68/150 in pencil
With the publisher’s blindstamp and the artist’s ink stamp
Estimated: GBP 100,000 – 150,000
GBP 125,000 / USD 173,750
HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR BARCODE (SIGNED) IN 2021
Barcode (signed), 2003
Single color screenprint on wove paper
Signed and numbered from an edition of 150
2020 Auction Results
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 100,250 / USD 134,000
Barcode Leopard (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in black ink
Numbered 11/150 in pencil
Published by Pictures on Walls, London
Estimated: GBP 100,000 – 150,000
GBP 105,000 (Hammer)
GBP 140,700 / USD 185,725
AUCTION RECORD PRICE FOR BARCODE (SIGNED)
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and dated in black ink
Numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil
With the red Banksy tag as issued
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
Forum Auctions: 27 October 2020
Estimated: GBP 80,000 – 120,000
GBP 104,000 (Hammer)
GBP 139,360 / USD 183,955
BANKSY (b.1974)
Barcode (signed), 2004
Screenprint on wove paper
Signed and numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil
With the red Banksy tag
Printed and published by Pictures on Walls, London
