Collectors and dealers can now take advantage of a seamless process for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading, thanks to a new partnership between CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®). This integrated service covers trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
Ahead of the National Sports Card Convention from July 24-28, the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) has announced that CGC Cards and JSA are now offering combined services as of July 15, 2024. This collaboration allows collectors to submit autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one streamlined solution.
This service builds on the successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May. CCG, a leading collectibles grading service with nearly 100 million items certified since 1987, acquired JSA earlier this year to expand its autograph authentication offerings. Future services will include combined authentication and grading for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
The timing is perfect for the biggest card collecting event of the year, as CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at The National. CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site services at the show, allowing collectors and dealers to have their autographed cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated while they wait. Regular submissions will also be accepted at the show and through the mail.
CGC pioneered witnessed signature authentication with its CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, and the full launch of CGC Signature Series for cards is coming soon. This service will give autograph collectors a robust suite of options through the combined expertise of CGC and JSA.
Founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is the premier autograph authentication service, known for its accuracy and comprehensive autograph database. JSA has certified millions of autographs and built the world’s largest database, with nearly 1 million images. This extensive resource, combined with state-of-the-art technology, ensures unparalleled accuracy in autograph authentication.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will feature a distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This label includes both brand names and highlights the "Authentic Autograph" designation in yellow, a color historically used by CGC to indicate genuine signatures. Cards can also receive autograph grading upon request, with the grade displayed prominently on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. Additionally, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will include CGC Cards Grader Notes, providing detailed information about the signers.
For top-tier cards, CGC Cards offers the luxurious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “2024 has been a big year for CCG, but the highlight is undoubtedly the combination of our world-class grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication services.” James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, added, “Launching combined services for cards at The National is the ultimate thrill. This is something collectors have been asking for since I started JSA almost 20 years ago, and I am delighted to offer it today.”
Collectors can find more information on how to submit cards for CGC x JSA certification by visiting the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be made through the CGC Cards online submission form, where collectors select "JSA Autograph Authentication" after choosing their grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is based on the chosen grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
CGC and JSA are committed to providing collectors with the best services, ensuring that every submission is handled with the utmost care and expertise. This new offering marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to enhance the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
