• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, November 30, 2009

The History network is looking to engage viewers by allowing them to bid on items that are part of a plot line in a reality series.

Returning for a second season, "Pawn Stars" is about three generations of a family running a pawn business in Las Vegas -- one of the few in the city that also deals in antiques. During the premiere episode (Nov. 30), the Harrison family debates whether to add different items to their inventory.

Three of those become the subject of a Web-based auction -- including an 1864 Confederate $20 bill and a Hugh Hefner serigraph.

The auction -- staged on a History.com micro-site -- will run until Dec. 8. All of the proceeds will benefit a charity selected by the Harrison family.

The History channel indicated that it may use similar interactive opportunities linked to other programming. Delivery Agent, which has worked with other networks on e-commerce initiatives, is assisting History with back-end operations.

"Pawn Stars" chronicles the Harrisons running a business that many feel is outmoded. The characters are often found having to evaluate whether an item -- be it a Super Bowl ring or a Picasso painting -- is authentic.

In the case of the auction items, History parent A&E Television Networks will offer certificates of authenticity. The show, which debuted July 19, is popular and social Web sites like Twitter are fueling a growing fan base.