Autograph Psa
Fake autographs are a serious problem on the Internet. The industry's leading autograph authenticator, PSA-DNA, claims that only 33 percent of more than 10,000 Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan autographs it scrutinized were real. That means more than 6,600 of the 10,000 signatures PSA-DNA sampled were forgeries.
eBay is a prime place to sell fake autographs because they are easy to pass off as authentic. Typically, the dishonest seller provides an image of the autographed sports memorabilia and a description. To the uninformed buyer, the signature looks authentic.
Some bogus dealers even trick customers by providing a Certificate of Authenticity (usually from their own company) and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Most buyers can't distinguish between an authentic autograph and a phony one, noting that viewing a scan of the autograph only benefits experienced authenticators.
Certificates given customers to build their confidence often are designed on personal computers by the scam artist. Meanwhile, the guarantee is in place to promote a false sense of security.
If a customer couldn't tell an autograph was fake by looking at an online picture, he or she likely isn't going to recognize a forgery when it's received in the mail.
Not even a lack of negative customer feedback on eBay is a guarantee that what has been shipped isn't fraudulent. Johns says dealers of fake items have an endless supply on hand and ship orders quickly to create the appearance of legitimacy.
Many buyers don't learn an item is fake until they send it in to be authenticated or until someone experienced in autograph collecting and familiar with sports memorabilia informs them.
Seller feedback is a smoke-screen for a fake eBay autograph dealer. Most usually maintain a very positive feedback level.
Although the FBI put more 60 people in jail a few years ago for dealing and distributing fake autographs, the dealers who sold on eBay all had excellent feedback records.
All I have to do is go into any sports category on eBay and I can find at least one new seller per day selling fake autographs.
BlogForSports.com recently listed a questionable seller on eBay who was stealing images from legitimate auctions and listing them as his own. The seller then sent an item to the buyer that was similar to the item in the stolen picture.
A few days after this article was posted on the blog, Johns says, a victim of the fraudulent seller explained, I thought I did my homework I read his feedback but the item I got didn't look anything like the item in the eBay auction.
The full story and a warning about the seller are available at the BlogForSports.com site.
Johns says the blog was created to help prevent unsuspecting customers from buying fake autographs. The goal is to educate people on how legitimate companies obtain autographs, so customers don't fall into the trap of buying fakes.
When a new sports memorabilia customer buys fake autographs they become disenchanted with the whole industry. This hurts the reputable dealers in the business and it hurts the hobby in general.
The blog includes photographs of fake items, comparisons to known authentic autographs and helpful hints on how experts determined the item was questionable.
Vernon Wells Of Mad Max 2 & Commando Advides fans about Autograph Alert.
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2006 BENCHWARMER MARY RILEY AUTOGRAPH PSA 8 NM MT |  |
2 Bids | US $7.49 | 36m |
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2006 BENCHWARMER MARY RILEY SCHOOLGIRL AUTOGRAPH PSA 9 | |
0 Bid | US $10.00 | 40m |
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Authentic Ted Williams Autographed Baseball PSA 8 | |
0 Bid | US $750.00 | 1h 4m |
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NEW HOT PACKS Guaranteed Auto GU in every Pack | |
5 Bids | US $3.05 | 2h 15m |
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George Steinbrenner autographed Jersey no 1 PSA DNA | |
2 Bids | US $20.99 | 2h 41m |
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05 06 Exquisite M Andriuskevicius Auto Patch RC PSA 9 | |
5 Bids | US $5.50 | 2h 58m |
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Michael Mike Stanton signed game used bat MiLB COA | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 3h 9m |
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AHMAN GREEN 2003 JERSEY ULTIMATE COLLECTION 175 175 | |
0 Bid | US $2.99 | 3h 14m |
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RAWLINGS BASEBALL BAT AUTOGRAPHED BY FRANK THOMAS | |
6 Bids | US $20.50 | 3h 16m |
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San Francisco 49ers Signed Autographed 8x10 Photo | |
0 Bid | US $55.95 | 3h 18m |
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RAWLINGS BASEBALL GLOVE AUTOGRAPHED BY RYNE SANDBERG | |
6 Bids | US $46.00 | 3h 22m |
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RAWLINGS MLB BASEBALL AUTOGRAPHED BY PETE ROSE | |
5 Bids | US $31.00 | 3h 27m |
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BRIAN URLACHER 2003 UD JERSEY PATCH ALL PRO | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 3h 29m |
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RAWLINGS MLB BASEBALL AUTOGRAPHED BY HARMON KILLEBREW | |
4 Bids | US $14.55 | 3h 30m |
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NBA PHOENIX SUNS JERSEY HANDSIGNED BY CHARLES BARKLEY | |
4 Bids | US $31.00 | 3h 36m |
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TROY AIKMAN MICHAEL IRVIN 2007 DONRUSS JERSEY 145 250 | |
2 Bids | US $3.25 | 3h 39m |
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1990 SAMMY SOSA LEAF RC 220 PSA 10 GEM MINT | |
3 Bids | US $12.50 | 3h 43m |
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MASSIVE COLLECTION LOT VINTAGE GU AUTO MORE 3000 | |
0 Bid | US $68.00 | 3h 44m |
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MICHAEL VICK LADAINIAN TOMLINSON 2005 SPx DUAL JERSEY | |
0 Bid | US $1.99 | 3h 47m |
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WILSON BASKETBALL HANDSIGNED BY 7 PHOENIX SUNS PLAYERS | |
2 Bids | US $10.49 | 3h 47m |
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1945 AUTOGRAPHS CARD GAME 10 TOM HARMON PSA 7 | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 4h 4m |
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DONOVAN MCNABB JEFF GARCIA 2003 ULTIMATE JERSEY | |
0 Bid | US $1.99 | 4h 6m |
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1945 AUTOGRAPHS CARD GAME 7 WALTER HAGEN PSA 6 | |
1 Bid | US $14.99 | 4h 12m |
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DONOVAN MCNABB 2001 FLEER FOOTBALL GAME USED | |
0 Bid | US $1.99 | 4h 16m |
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PSA CUT SIGATURE MICHAEL SPINKS PSA DNA CERTIFIED | |
0 Bid | US $19.99 | 4h 19m |
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Houston Astros Carlos Lee signed baseball | |
0 Bid | US $19.99 | 4h 20m |
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1945 AUTOGRAPHS CARD GAME 8A FRANKILN ROOSEVELT PSA 7 | |
0 Bid | US $16.99 | 4h 22m |
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DONOVAN MCNABB 1999 AUTO COLLECTORS EDGE | |
2 Bids | US $8.59 | 4h 23m |
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Johnny Unitas Signed PSA DNA Autograph Baltimore Colts | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 4h 24m |
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MICHAEL BEASLEY AUTO RC TOPPS TREASURY REFRACTOR PSA | |
6 Bids | US $16.01 | 4h 33m |
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DEION SANDERS JERSEY 2006 DONRUSS GRIDIRON GEAR 172 250 | |
0 Bid | US $1.99 | 4h 46m |
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BASKETBALL InsertsParallel and superstars ONLY N R | |
2 Bids | US $5.05 | 4h 51m |
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5 Hits Guaranteed Auto Ref Jersey d LotGraded Bonus | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 5h |
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2002 ROHAN DAVEY Rc AUTO 550 LOT of 9 PSA 10 RARE HBV$ | |
0 Bid | US $89.09 | 5h |
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PSA 10 Donruss Elite ANDREW BRACKMAN STATUS AUTO 35 50 | |
0 Bid | US $149.99 | 5h 1m |
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2010 Dale Earnhardt Jr 8x11 Autograph NAT GUARD AMP | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 5h 9m |
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DAVID WRIGHT AUTOGRAPH BASEBALL New York Mets | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 5h 12m |
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Cito Gaston Signed Louisville Slugger Bat Blue Jays COA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 5h 24m |
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Scott Niedermayer Signed 8x10 New Jersey Devils COA | |
0 Bid | US $19.99 | 5h 24m |
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Willie Davis signed autograph RARE photo HOF Packers | |
0 Bid | US $4.95 | 5h 41m |
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Amazing Hall of Fame and ULTRA Superstar Pack No Res | |
2 Bids | US $5.55 | 5h 59m |
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1994 NEW IN BOX Power and Majesty By SPENCER WILLIAMS | |
0 Bid | US $24.95 | 6h 8m |
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Hand Signed GRAEME McDOWELL autod MASTERS Golf Ball | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 26m |
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Hand Signed JUSTIN ROSE autod MASTERS Golf Ball NICE | |
0 Bid | US $22.99 | 6h 27m |
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Avril Lavigne signed RARE SEXY photo INPERSON PROOF B | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 40m |
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Avril Lavigne signed RARE SEXY photo INPERSON PROOF D | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 40m |
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U2 SIGNED NO LINE ON THE HORIZON BONO EDGE ADAM PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $74.99 | 6h 40m |
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Sade hand signed Diamond Life by SADE INPERSON PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $54.99 | 6h 41m |
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Dan Haren Diamondbacks As auto MLB baseball | |
0 Bid | US $12.95 | 6h 41m |
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Angus Young signed AC DC 11x14 INPERSON PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $54.99 | 6h 41m |
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Mark Reynolds Diamondbacks auto MLB baseball | |
0 Bid | US $12.95 | 6h 41m |
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Alice in Chains signed Jar of Flies Jerry Cantrell PROF | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 6h 41m |
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GUNS N ROSES SIGNED APPETITE AXL ROSE 4 SLASH PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $199.99 | 6h 41m |
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JACK JOHNSON SIGNED RARE PHOTO INPERSON PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 42m |
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VILLE VALO SIGNED RARE HIM PHOTO INPERSON PROOF | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 42m |
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SANDY KOUFAX AUTOGRAPH ON BROOKLYN DODGERS CAP | |
1 Bid | US $125.00 | 6h 44m |
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Bobby Lashley SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED WWE 8x10 COA MMA UFC | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 6h 44m |
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SANDY KOUFAX AUTOGRAPH ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS CAP | |
0 Bid | US $125.00 | 6h 51m |
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Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Auto PSA DNA | |
17 Bids | US $103.50 | 6h 59m |
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TROY POLAMALU AUTOGRAPH FLACCO HIT 8x10 PHOTO STEELERS | |
0 Bid | US $79.99 | 7h 34m |
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Hand Signed LUKE DONALD auto MASTERS Golf Ball NICE | |
0 Bid | US $16.99 | 7h 35m |
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Hanley Ramirez 2006 Topps Chrome Auto Rookie PSA 10 | |
9 Bids | US $20.50 | 7h 44m |
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LOU MARSON GAME USED PAIR OF CLEATS INDIANS PHILLIES | |
0 Bid | US $35.00 | 8h 5m |
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2008 Razor Buster Posey ON CARD Autograph d 184 199 | 11 Bids | US $16.37 | 8h 16m |
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Ryan Dempster Auto Cubs Jersey PSA DNA COA | |
0 Bid | US $99.00 | 8h 18m |
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Jimmie Johnson DRINKING BOTTLE aftr 4th champ Autograph | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 8h 21m |
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Dale Earnhardt Jr AMP Nat Guard 8x10 Autograph | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 8h 21m |
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2010 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knause Autograph Hero Card | |
0 Bid | US $19.99 | 8h 21m |
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AARON SMITH AUTOGRAPHED AUTHENTIC JERSEY STEELERS 2xSB | |
14 Bids | US $60.01 | 8h 23m |
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IKE TAYLOR SIGNED AUTHENTIC JERSEY PITTSBURGH STEELERS | |
14 Bids | US $42.00 | 8h 36m |
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HINES WARD SIGNED FULL SIZE HELMET PITTSBURGH STEELERS | |
9 Bids | US $205.00 | 8h 37m |
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Lot of 2 Signed Mario Lemieux 8x10s w PSA DNA COA | |
2 Bids | US $31.00 | 8h 39m |
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SANTONIO HOLMES AUTOGRAPH 16x20 SB CATCH STEELERS JETS | |
6 Bids | US $22.72 | 8h 46m |
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Chad Johnson Auto Mini Helmet with Cert of Authenticity | |
0 Bid | US $89.95 | 9h 19m |
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Fred Taylor 98 Bowmans Best Atomic Refractor 125 PSA9 | |
0 Bid | US $40.00 | 9h 21m |
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JOHN HENRY JOHNSON AUTOGRAPH POSTCARDCERTIFIED | |
0 Bid | US $3.95 | 9h 22m |
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RARE Deced HOF GEORGE KELL Signed Perez Steele JSA | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 23m |
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RARE Deced HOF BILLY HERMAN Signed Perez Steele JSA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 24m |
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TROY POLAMALU AUTO SUPER BOWL FULL SIZE HELMET STEELERS | |
10 Bids | US $142.50 | 9h 25m |
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pete rose autographed bat4256 hits | |
0 Bid | US $65.00 | 9h 27m |
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RARE Deceased HOF BOB LEMON Signed Perez Steele JSA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 28m |
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RARE Deceased HOF AB HAPPY CHANDLER Signed JSA DNA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 29m |
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Pedro Alvarez signed OMLB with display case | |
0 Bid | US $30.00 | 9h 31m |
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Ryan Howard signed OMLB with display case | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 9h 32m |
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Red Sox HOF BOBBY DOERR Signed Perez Steele JSA DNA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 34m |
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CARLOS MARMOL SIGNED MLB BALL Chicago Cubs | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 34m |
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AUBREY HUFF SIGNED MLB BALL San Francisco Giants | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 35m |
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JOHNNY CUETO SIGNED MLB BALL Cincinnati Reds | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 36m |
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Orioles HOF BROOKS ROBINSON Signed Perez Steele JSA | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 36m |
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FAUSTO CARMONA SIGNED MLB BALL Cleveland Indians | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 36m |
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DEREK LOWE SIGNED MLB BALL Atlanta Braves | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 37m |
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Braves Dec HOF EDDIE MATHEWS Signed Perez Steele JSA | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 38m |
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DICK LEBEAU SIGNED FULL SIZE HELMET OHIO STATE STEELERS | |
0 Bid | US $149.99 | 9h 42m |
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PAUL ONEILL NY YANKEES AUTOGRAPHED OMLB BALL PSA HOLO | |
3 Bids | US $3.25 | 9h 50m |
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RASHARD MENDENHALL AUTOGRAPH 16x20 PHOTO STEELERS COA | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 55m |
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GRANT FUHR AUTOGRAPHED BUFFALO SABRES HOCKEY MINI STICK | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 9h 56m |
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KEVIN GARNETT TIM DUNCAN 04 05 Fleer PSA 1 1 RARE | |
0 Bid | US $6.99 | 9h 56m |
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MICKEY MANTLE ROGER MARIS KOUFAX BERRA Signed JSA DNA | |
9 Bids | US $710.00 | 9h 56m |
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TROY POLAMALU AUTOGRAPH 16x20 TOUCHDOWN PHOTO STEELERS | |
0 Bid | US $79.99 | 9h 58m |
