Collectors and dealers of autographed cards can now rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to provide a seamless experience for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This collaboration covers a wide range of cards, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
In preparation for the upcoming National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28, the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) announced the launch of the integrated service offered by CGC Cards and JSA, starting from July 15, 2024. This new partnership allows collectors to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one simple and streamlined process.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics introduced in May, CCG has acquired JSA to expand its autograph authentication services, further enhancing its nearly 100 million items certified since 1987. The future of this partnership looks promising, with plans for combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters on the horizon.
Just in time for one of the biggest card collecting events of the year, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at The National. Alongside accepting regular submissions at the event and through the mail, CGC Cards will offer comprehensive on-site services, enabling collectors and dealers to have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated immediately.
With CGC being a trailblazer in witnessed signature authentication since the introduction of the CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, the full launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards is eagerly awaited. This upcoming service will provide autograph collectors with a complete suite of offerings, combining the expertise of CGC and JSA to deliver top-notch authentication and grading services.
Established in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is renowned as a premier autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images. By utilizing this vast resource alongside cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures accurate and reliable authentication services for collectors worldwide.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will feature a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, which prominently displays both brand names and highlights the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow. This color choice aligns with CGC’s tradition of using yellow to signify genuine signatures. Additionally, upon request, cards can receive autograph grading, with the grade prominently featured on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. Encapsulated cards with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will also include detailed information in CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering collectors a comprehensive insight into the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards offers the exclusive gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that achieve a perfect CGC Pristine 10 grade, adding a touch of luxury to the authentication process.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of the partnership, acknowledging that 2024 has been a monumental year for CCG, particularly with the integration of their top-tier grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication services. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement regarding the launch of combined services for cards at The National, fulfilling a request collectors have had since JSA’s inception almost two decades ago.
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be made through the CGC Cards online submission form, where collectors can select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their desired grading tier. Prices for JSA autograph authentication are based on the selected grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
With a commitment to providing collectors the best services, CGC and JSA aim to handle every submission with the utmost care and expertise. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
