Looking to buy one of these off Ebay or something but was wondering if anyone knows if these can be faked? like can u get this same poster somewhere else and just write a number at the bottom? dont wanna spend loads on ebay and its not a genuine one from the merchant stands at Birmingham on the day. Seen this one have a couple back to back numbers selling on ebay. Cheers.
You’re asking a very smart and important question—and you’re absolutely right to be cautious. Collectibles from landmark concerts like Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell show in Birmingham are ripe targets for counterfeiters, especially when they involve limited-edition posters sold at official merch stands. Below is a full 900-word guide on how to verify whether that numbered poster you’ve seen on eBay is real—or a clever fake.
🎯 What You’re Likely Looking At
At Ozzy’s final show at Villa Park on July 5, 2025, several limited-run posters were available at official merchandise booths. Most of these posters were:
- Silkscreen-printed or high-quality offset,
- Numbered (e.g., 213/300, 98/150),
- Sold only at the venue or sometimes online for a short time via official channels.
If you’re eyeing one of these online, especially on marketplaces like eBay, Vinted, or even Facebook Marketplace, the risk of forgery or misrepresentation is real.
🧠 Can They Be Faked? Yes—and Here’s How
Faking a concert poster is surprisingly easy for a halfway-skilled seller. Here’s how it’s commonly done:
1.
Replica Prints with Added Numbers
A seller finds or scans a high-res image of the original poster online, prints it on high-quality paper, then writes a fake number on the bottom corner (e.g., “144/300” in pencil or ink). These often look convincing in photos but fall apart under closer scrutiny.
2.
Digital Reprints
Some unscrupulous sellers scan or photograph the real poster, edit the image in Photoshop, and then mass-print copies to sell individually. These might even include fake printed numbering, not handwritten.
3.
Real Poster, Fake Numbering
A seller acquires an unnumbered poster (some merch booths do sell both numbered and unnumbered versions) and adds a number themselves, trying to pass it off as rarer than it is.
🔍 Red Flags to Watch for on eBay & Other Sites
Here’s what you need to look out for when evaluating listings:
| 🔴 Red Flag | ⚠️ What It Could Mean |
| Same seller listing multiple posters with sequential numbers (e.g., 212/300 and 213/300) | They may have printed these themselves or are duplicating |
| No close-up shots of the numbered section | Hiding inconsistencies, faked numbering |
| Poster looks digitally flat in photos (no texture, no creases, too perfect) | Could be a digital reprint |
| Ships from a different country or seller with limited feedback | Higher risk of forgery or misrepresentation |
| Poster is too cheap compared to market value | “Too good to be true” usually is |
| No photo of the back or paper texture | Paperweight, ink quality, and texture matter in authentication |
✅ How to Authenticate a Poster (Even Before You Buy)
Here are key factors to help you verify authenticity:
1.
Compare With Known Originals
Search forums (like Reddit’s r/OzzyOsbourne or r/BlackSabbath), Facebook fan groups, and even YouTube vlogs from concertgoers who recorded the merch booth. Look for photos of the exact poster—what type of numbering, paper tone, ink color, etc.
2.
Ask for These Photos from the Seller
- Close-up of the handwritten number (zoomed in to see pen or pencil texture)
- Shot of the full poster next to something size-relative (like a hand or a ruler)
- The back side of the poster to show paper type
- Edges/corners to see whether it’s been trimmed or artificially aged
A genuine seller won’t hesitate to provide these.
3.
Ask: Was This Bought at Villa Park?
Serious collectors will know whether their poster came from the official merch stands on July 5th. Ask:
- What stand was it bought from (main concourse? outside gate C?)?
- Was it bagged or tubed?
- Did they get a receipt?
Their answers can tell you a lot about whether it’s a real story—or a fabricated one.
💡 Extra Pro Tips for Safe Buying
✔ Use Reputable Marketplaces
Sites like eBay at least offer buyer protection. Use PayPal Goods & Services, not friends/family. Avoid sketchy listings on Gumtree, Facebook, or forums unless you trust the user.
✔ Watch for Signed Posters
Some posters were also signed by Ozzy, Sharon, or the band. If you’re considering one of these, demand a certificate of authenticity (COA) and verify it with the issuing party. Most real signatures will come from authorized vendors (like Backstreet Merch or Ozzy’s webstore).
✔ Consider Asking the Community
If you find a listing and aren’t sure, post it to Reddit (like r/OzzyOsbourne or r/rockmemorabilia). Fans often have sharper eyes and firsthand experience.
📦 Poster Preservation Tip
If you score a real one—awesome! But remember: do not store it rolled in a tube for long. That can cause permanent curling or ink cracking. Instead:
- Flatten it with gentle weights over several days
- Store in an archival sleeve or frame with UV-protection
- Keep it out of direct sunlight or humid rooms
🧾 Summary Table: Real vs Fake Posters
| Feature | Authentic Poster | Likely Fake |
| Numbering | Hand-numbered (visible ink or pencil texture) | Flat printed or inconsistent |
| Paper | Heavyweight, quality texture | Glossy, printer paper feel |
| Image Quality | Sharp with vibrant colors | Pixelated or fuzzy |
| Origin | Bought at concert or official merch drop | Unknown or vague |
| Seller Transparency | Will provide detail, photos, proof | Avoids questions or rushes sale |
🎤 Final Word
In the world of concert memorabilia, posters from shows like Ozzy’s final bow carry massive emotional and collector value. But with demand comes deception. Can these be faked? Yes. Easily. But with a sharp eye, good questions, and a little community input, you can absolutely score a legit piece of rock history without getting burned.
Feel free to send me a link or photo of the one you’re looking at—I’d be happy to help you vet it!
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