Media World: Playing the Michael Jackson market

When Michael Jackson died suddenly last week, anyone who had acquired anything touched by the King of Pop thought they had hit the jackpot. But like the stock market, the Michael market might have gotten ahead of itself.

Prices for Jackson memorabilia have gone through the roof: an autographed black-and-white picture of the Jackson 5 from 1979 sold this week at Christie's in London for more than £1,600 ($2,600), about 60 percent higher than presale estimates. But experts are urging neophyte buyers to be cautious. As unscrupulous hucksters look to cash in on the nostalgia and affection following the entertainer's death, the Michael market has become crammed with forgeries.