Collectors and dealers immersed in the world of autographed cards can now rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to introduce a seamless experience for submitting autographed cards. This new partnership offers a combined service for authentication and grading across trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
Bringing this integrated service to life, Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) announced the collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA ahead of the National Sports Card Convention, scheduled from July 24-28, 2024. As of July 15, 2024, collectors can now submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one straightforward process, streamlining the authentication journey for card enthusiasts.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification launch for comics in May, this collaboration signifies a significant step in the expansion of autograph authentication offerings. With CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier this year, the future services will extend to include combined authentication and grading for magazines, pulps, and concert posters, catering to a diverse range of collectibles.
At the cusp of the National Sports Card Convention, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available, offering collectors onsite services for authentication, grading, and encapsulation. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive experience for collectors and dealers, enabling them to have their cards authenticated and graded promptly.
Noteworthy is CGC’s pioneering of witnessed signature authentication through the CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001. With the imminent launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards, autograph collectors can expect a holistic suite of services leveraging the combined expertise of CGC and JSA for a premium authentication experience.
JSA, founded by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, stands as a leading autograph authentication service, revered for its meticulous processes utilizing a vast autograph database with nearly 1 million images. By merging this extensive database with cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures precise and accurate authentication for autographed cards, setting a high standard in the industry.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will bear a distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, featuring both brand names and a prominent “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow. For those desiring autograph grading, the label will prominently display the grade alongside the card’s overall grade and description. Additionally, encapsulated cards will include CGC Cards Grader Notes for detailed signer information.
For elite cards, CGC Cards offers the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved exclusively for cards attaining a CGC Pristine 10 grade, signifying the highest quality and condition.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in the company’s history. James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, expressed his excitement for the launch of combined services for cards, underscoring the importance of meeting collectors’ demands and expectations.
To discover more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website and utilize the online submission form. Submission guidelines include selecting “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing a grading tier, with pricing based on the selected tier alongside additional CGC Cards grading fees.
CGC and JSA are dedicated to delivering top-tier services, ensuring that each submission receives meticulous attention and expert handling. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the collectibles industry, promising an enhanced and seamless collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.