A Friend in Need Print Value Guide

Commissioned in 1903 for a Minnesota advertising firm, 'A Friend in Need' is the most iconic entry in Cassius Marcellus Coolidge's 'Dogs Playing Poker' series. This piece became a cornerstone of American kitsch and pop culture by humorously depicting anthropomorphized dogs cheating at a card game.

What Is A Friend in Need Print Worth?

The typical price range for A Friend in Need Print is $50 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paper, specifically looking for foxing, water damage, or fading from UV exposure.
• The presence of the original early 20th-century wood frame and glass, which adds historical context and value.
• The size of the print, as larger advertising-format versions generally command higher prices than small home prints.
• The printing era, with early 1900s advertising versions being more desirable than mid-century or modern reprints.

How to Identify A Friend in Need Print?

• Look for the signature of Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, often abbreviated as C.M. Coolidge, in the lower corner of the print.
• Verify the specific scene depicts a bulldog slipping an ace to his partner under the table with his paw.
• Check for the 1903 copyright date which marks the original series commission for the St. Paul advertising firm.
• Examine the paper quality and printing technique to distinguish early 20th-century lithographs from modern digital reproductions.

History of A Friend in Need Print

Cassius Marcellus Coolidge created this series of sixteen oil paintings for a St. Paul, Minnesota, advertising firm in 1903. The iconic 'Dogs Playing Poker' images quickly became a staple in American pop culture, depicting anthropomorphized dogs engaging in human activities, most notably playing poker. These works, especially 'A Friend in Need,' have achieved widespread recognition and are often found as prints in homes, offices, and recreational spaces.