Dec 2, 2007 8:36 pm US/Central
"Prova Tag" Proves Authenticity Of Memorabilia
Sharpie Used By T.O. After Touchdown Sells For $3,600
STELLA PAYNE
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Terrell Owens' signature may be worth a lot to fans, but how about his favorite pen? The Sharpie he used to sign a touchdown football when he played for the 49ers sold for more than $3,600 at an auction.
But how can you tell it's real? Cowboys fans and sports collectors now have a new way to determine what's fake and what's authentic.
The Prova tag confirms that a piece of sports memorabilia is authentic. The group held an event this weekend for sports fans to collect authentic Cowboys memorabilia.
"After this week's signing, you can go online, you could have your friends see it, you can verify it," said Dan Wener, Prova Group. "You can actually see what's out there and compare it."
Sports memorabilia collectors can pay hundreds of dollars for just one item.
"I flew all the way from Oregon to get here," said collector Todd Ferrell as he proudly held up a signed T.O. jersey. "It says, 'How 'bout them Cowboys?!'"
Sports fans and professional athletes say they like the credibility the Prova tag can provide.
"It means a lot to know that we are the only ones signing it and someone else isn't making that up," said Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten.
Currently, a sports fan can expect to pay around $300 for Emmitt Smith's signature and about $150 for Michael Irvin's and Troy Aikman's. Terrell Owens' signature goes for around $200.
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