NFL Again Uses PSA/DNA to Prevent Super Bowl Footballs Fraud
For the sixth consecutive year, the National Football League will use PSA/DNA Authentication
Services (PSA/DNA) to combat potential counterfeiting of Super Bowl footballs. More than 100
footballs to be used in Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6 will be marked by PSA/DNA with a synthetic
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) strand that can be seen only when illuminated by a specific laser
frequency.
PSA/DNA (www.psadna.com) is the world's largest sports memorabilia authentication company, and is
a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT), Newport Beach, CA.
"Although invisible to the naked eye, the DNA mark fluoresces green when illuminated with the
proper laser frequency. In using this method, authenticity can be determined many years from now
even when the footballs have changed hands," explained Joe Orlando, PSA/DNA President.
"It is an extremely effective way to combat potential fakes because the DNA ink has an astronomical
1-in-33 trillion chance of being accurately reproduced by potential counterfeiters," Orlando stated.
In addition to the DNA-laced marking, a certificate of authenticity accompanies each Super Bowl football
certified by PSA. The certificates feature serialized tamper-evident labels that can be verified via the
Internet at www.psadna.com. Information on each ball is available to any third party interested in its
authenticity.
PSA/DNA authenticated the bat used by Babe Ruth to hit the first home run in Yankee Stadium in 1923 and
subsequently sold at a Sotheby's auction last year for nearly $1.3 million. The certification also has been
used for Barry Bonds' 600th career home run baseball, Mark McGwire's 70th and Sammy Sosa's 66th home run
baseballs in 1998. Other authenticated historical items include Hank Aaron's career 715th home run baseball
and bat, and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's famous "Black Betsy" baseball bat that was purchased
for $577,000 in a 2001 auction.
Source: Collectors Universe, Inc.
Date: January 28, 2005
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