An original 1983 Scarface theatrical poster measures roughly 27 × 41 inches on offset-litho paper with correct campaign artwork and NSS numbering.
A “vintage-style” listing can hide a modern digital print, and the size on the page won’t always match the size that arrives. The gap between an original Scarface one-sheet and a reprint comes down to measurements, printing method, campaign artwork, and provenance — four checks anyone can run before paying.
What Size Should an Original Scarface Poster Be?
The standard U.S. theatrical one-sheet for Scarface measures approximately 27 × 41 inches, issued for the film’s 1983 release. A sheet substantially smaller than that is a warning sign.
Propstore documented a Scarface reprint at 25 × 39 inches — close enough to fool a glance, small enough to fail a tape measure. A U.S. advance one-sheet exists at a slightly different size too: Film on Paper records one at 26 15/16 × 39 1/2 inches, single-sided, designed by Intralink Film Graphic Design. Measure both dimensions with the sheet flat, not against the frame.
Folded or rolled tells you nothing on its own. Posters shipped folded to cinemas are “folded-as-issued” originals; a 1983 example is also documented as rolled and never folded. Fold lines are normal, not a fake signal.
How Do You Tell Original Printing From a Digital Copy?
An original Scarface one-sheet is an offset lithograph printed in 1983, not an inkjet reproduction. A loupe reveals the difference: offset printing shows a tight rosette dot pattern with clean registration, while modern digital output shows irregular dots, banding, or a sprayed texture.
Other printing checks:
- Ink texture — original litho ink sits on the paper with a slight matte feel; glossy ink that smears under a thumbnail is a modern sign.
- Paper fibers — period poster stock has visible fibers and a consistent age; a bright white sheet from 1983 is unlikely.
- Printer marks and NSS numbers — an original U.S. one-sheet is identified as NSS 830167, dated 1983, printed by offset lithography. Ask for a close-up of any NSS text in the bottom border.
- Border trimming — even borders on all four sides suggest a trimmed reprint; originals often show slight unevenness from factory cutting.
The physical inspection should support provenance and an expert’s comparison, not replace them. A single check rarely settles it.
Which Scarface Campaign Artwork Are You Actually Buying?
Not every black-and-white Scarface image is the same issue. Advance and regular one-sheets exist with different artwork and dimensions, and confusing them is a common buying mistake.
The advance one-sheet was designed by Mike Bryan for Universal Pictures in 1983 at 27 × 41 inches, per Propstore. A rarer 40 × 60-inch version of that design also exists and should never be mistaken for the standard one-sheet. If a listing shows an unfamiliar crop, confirm which campaign it belongs to before bidding.
| Check | Original 1983 One-Sheet | Reprint Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Approx. 27 × 41 in. | 25 × 39 in. or smaller |
| Printing | Offset lithograph | Digital/inkjet dots |
| NSS code | NSS 830167 present | Missing or mismatched |
| Artwork | Matches 1983 campaign | Cropped or recolored variant |
| Paper | Aged, visible fibers | Bright white, uniform |
| Folds | Folded-as-issued or rolled | Neither proves age |
| COA | Supports, never proves | Often sole “proof” offered |
What Do Real Originals and Reprints Cost?
Propstore’s April 2024 auction estimated a 27 × 41-inch advance one-sheet at $200–$400.
Signatures complicate the math. If you’re chasing a signed piece, compare our roundup of Al Pacino Scarface poster options for tested picks before you commit.
A certificate of authenticity documents a seller’s assertion, not a printing date. Ask for provenance: which dealer, which auction, which collection. Established dealers and auction houses that explicitly label an item “original” — and avoid “vintage-style,” “classic,” or “reproduction” wording — are the safer source. Propstore’s Scarface one-sheet listing is a good reference for how a documented 27 × 41-inch advance original is described.
Request high-resolution images of the front, back, borders, printer marks, folds, and any NSS text before you pay. That five-minute exchange filters out most fakes.
FAQs
Can a folded poster still be an original?
Yes. Theatrical posters were commonly shipped folded to cinemas, so fold lines are normal on a genuine 1983 sheet. A folded-as-issued example is documented alongside rolled originals. Fold wear and roll marks don’t authenticate paper, but they don’t disqualify it either.
Does a COA guarantee the poster is original?
No. A certificate records what a seller or authenticator claims, not the printing date. Treat it as one data point alongside measurements, NSS numbering, offset printing, and provenance from a reputable dealer or auction house.
Is a 25 × 39-inch Scarface poster original?
No — a documented reprint measured 25 × 39 inches, while the standard U.S. one-sheet is approximately 27 × 41 inches. That two-inch gap is one of the fastest checks you can run with a tape measure before buying.
References & Sources
- Propstore. “Scarface (1983) One-Sheet, 27 x 41, Advance Style, Very Fine Rolled” Documents the advance one-sheet’s dimensions, artwork, and 2024 auction estimate.
- Film on Paper. “Scarface One-Sheet (Advance), USA” Records the Intralink advance design and its 26 15/16 × 39 1/2-inch size.