IRVING - Authentic Cowboys helmet for $200?

Signature by Troy for another $150?

And the peace of mind to prove it's real? Priceless.

"If it's not authenticated by someone who's reputable, then you need to be leery of buying that item," said vendor Larry Frazier.

That's the way sports memorabilia collectors feel in a day and age of professional knock-offs and fake autographs.

"You never know when you're going to pay $300 for a signature and it's just somebody else signing it, instead of the actual player," said collector Marshall Himebauch.

Holographic labels are commonly used to verify league authenticity but they can be easily duplicated.

But now Prova-Tag, an Irving technology start-up, may tip the table in favor of fans by offering a virtually fake-proof authentication system.

"People want the assurance that what they buy is real," said Dan Werner from the Prova Group.

"In order for this business to continue to do what it's been doing, then the public has to be certain that they're getting what is in fact what they're paying for," said former quarterback, Troy Aikman.

It's based on a tiny radio tag that's applied to the merchandise at the time of purchase, or later, when a pro-athlete signs it.

Then online data collects the details.

So by the end of the day, the Prova-Tag, under a sticker will reflect a radio signal that confirms the merchandise - a helmet - who signed it, and where.

Most collectors are only now finding out about Prova-Tags but so far like the instant credibility.

"They've explained how it works, and it looks pretty simple. So get your autograph, come back, scan it through, the longest part's getting registered," said collector Russell Cunha.