Autographed card collectors and dealers rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) announce their groundbreaking partnership to streamline the authentication and grading process. This revolutionary collaboration covers a wide range of card types, from trading card games (TCGs) to sports and non-sports cards.
Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) unveiled this integrated service just in time for the National Sports Card Convention, scheduled from July 24-28. The joint effort between CGC Cards and JSA officially started on July 15, 2024, allowing collectors to submit autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading in a single, simplified process.
Building on the success of their CGC x JSA certification for comics launched in May, CCG continues to lead the way in collectibles grading. With almost 100 million items certified since 1987, CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier this year signaled a strategic move to expand autograph authentication services. Future plans include combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
At The National Sports Card Convention, collectors and dealers can take advantage of the CGC x JSA certification services for cards, whether through regular submissions at the event or by mail. Additionally, CGC Cards will offer comprehensive on-site services, providing attendees with the opportunity to have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated on the spot.
CGC’s pioneering witnessed signature authentication, first introduced with CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, is now extending to their Signature Series for cards. This comprehensive suite of services combines the expertise of CGC and JSA to cater to autograph collectors’ needs.
Established in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is renowned as the foremost autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images. Leveraging this vast resource and cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures precise and reliable authentication for autographed cards.
Cards certified by CGC and JSA will bear the distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, emphasizing both brand names and featuring a vibrant yellow “Authentic Autograph” designation. This designation aligns with CGC’s tradition of using yellow to signify genuine signatures. Upon request, cards can also receive autograph grading, with the grade prominently displayed on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. Furthermore, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed information about the signers.
For premier cards, CGC Cards presents the elegant gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, exclusively reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, remarked on the monumental impact of combining world-class grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication. James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, expressed his excitement, stating that launching combined services at The National marks a significant milestone in catering to collectors’ long-standing needs.
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website and utilize the online submission form. By selecting “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their preferred grading tier, collectors can kickstart the authentication process. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
In conclusion, the partnership between CGC Cards and JSA signifies a new era for autographed card authentication and grading, promising collectors and dealers a seamless and comprehensive experience.
