A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for transferring a unique
digital item between a first party and a destination party in a network
data processing system. A request to transfer a unique digital item in an
account of the first party is received. Responsive to receiving the
request, a retrieval tag is associated with the unique digital item. The
retrieval tag is generated by a server process, such as one on which the
unique digital item is located. The unique digital item is transferred
from the source account to a temporary storage account in association
with the retrieval tag. The unique digital item is listed on a trusted
third-party server. A second party may inspect the unique digital item
and agree to exchange something in return for the first party's listed
unique digital item. The transfer occurs after all parties have committed
to the transaction. Responsive to a redemption request initiated by the
trusted third-party, the unique digital item is transferred from the
temporary storage account to an account of the second party.