As if we didn't see this coming...
Saddam Thrives as Collectible on eBay
Apr 10, 9:51 am ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Although the fate of Saddam Hussein is unknown as his rule crumbles in Baghdad, he is thriving as a collectible on eBay.
During the three-week war in Iraq, collectors have swamped the Internet trading site with more than 1,000 items, including Iraqi money, T-shirts and videos that capitalize on Saddam's notoriety.
One seller touting the "Saddam dinar," one of two currencies used in Iraq, was quick to advertise his item as a piece of history certain to grow in value when the war is over.
"With the current world situation, chances are this will be the last currency available coming out of Iraq, at least with Saddam's picture on it," the seller wrote.
U.S. forces swept into the heart of Baghdad on Wednesday, helping jubilant residents topple a huge statue of Saddam and dragging its severed head through the streets.
Iraq's "Saddam dinar" was by far the most popular item, with some auctions fetching about $40 for a few bills. At the end of March, one dollar could be exchanged for about 3,000 of the Iraqi bills.
A search for Saddam Hussein on the eBay Web site yielded 900 hits, involving a wide variety of items associated with him.
For anyone eager to get Saddam's autograph, 15 bidders have pushed the price of an autographed photo of Saddam to $203 with nearly a week left in the auction.
Another eBay seller had a baseball bat engraved with the words "Bush basher" and a picture of Saddam tied up with a piece of rope.
Other items available for purchase include a "cuddly" handmade doll, a clock with Saddam's face and the words "Time's Up!" and a roll of toilet paper with his picture on each sheet.
