Collectors and dealers in the world of autographed cards have something new to celebrate with a groundbreaking partnership between CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®). This collaboration aims to simplify the process of submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading, covering various types of cards including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) announced this combined service just before the National Sports Card Convention, held from July 24-28, 2024. The integrated service went live on July 15, offering collectors the convenience of submitting autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading all in one go.
Following the successful introduction of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May, this move solidifies CCG’s position as a leading collectibles grading service. With almost 100 million items certified since 1987, CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier this year expanded their autograph authentication services. Future plans include combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
Coinciding with The National, the biggest card collecting event, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available. Besides accepting submissions at the event and via mail, CGC Cards will provide on-site services for collectors and dealers to authenticate, grade, and encapsulate their cards immediately.
Having pioneered witnessed signature authentication for comics in 2001, CGC is now gearing up for the full launch of CGC Signature Series for cards, expanding services for autograph collectors through the expertise of CGC and JSA.
Established in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is renowned as the top autograph authentication service globally. Utilizing the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images, JSA combines this extensive resource with high-tech solutions to ensure precise authentication.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will showcase a distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This label, featuring both brand names, includes a “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow – a nod to CGC’s signature genuine signature color. Upon request, cards can also receive autograph grading with the grade prominently displayed alongside the card’s grade and description. Moreover, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA label include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards presents the opulent gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards earning a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CCG CEO, emphasized the importance of this partnership, citing it as a highlight of 2024. James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, shared his excitement for launching combined card services at The National, fulfilling a longstanding request from collectors.
For comprehensive information on submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website and use the online submission form. By selecting “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their grading tier, collectors can initiate the submission process. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication varies based on the selected grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
With a commitment to delivering top-notch services, CGC and JSA are dedicated to handling every submission with utmost care and expertise. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
