Iconic Steel Curtain Banner Brings $57,500

Content Originally Published by Sports Collectors Daily on Monday February 7, 2011.

 A hand-painted banner created during the high point of the Pittsburgh Steelers 1970s dynasty and displayed regularly at Three Rivers Stadium sold for $57,500 in the official Super Bowl XLV auction on Saturday.

The banner, featuring members of the Steel Curtain defensive line, is instantly recognizable to fans who have seen it countless times on TV, in NFL Films videos and in print.  It was purchased by a “die hard Steelers fan who wishes to remain anonymous” according to reports.

The NFL, in conjunction with Hunt Auctions conducted the sale, which began online late last month and concluded with a live session in Dallas.

Among the other items that drew significant attention from bidders was the second half kickoff football from last year’s Super Bowl.  The New Orleans Saints executed an “ambush” style onside kick that helped turn the game in their favor.  It sold for $13,225.

A mid-to-late 1960s Gale Sayers Chicago Bears game worn jersey brought $12,650, as did an autographed 2005 Peyton Manning game jersey, with a letter from his foundation.  A second Manning jersey from that season, also signed, sold for $10,925 and a 2010 Manning gamer.

Over 600 items were sold with more scheduled to end Monday in an online only portion of the event.  The Dallas Morning News was there and offers a little more on the annual auction.