CGC Cards and James Spence Authentication (JSA) have joined forces to offer a unified platform for collectors and dealers seeking authentication and grading services for autographed cards. This collaboration, launched on July 15, 2024, spans across trading card games, sports cards, and non-sports cards, streamlining the process for enthusiasts.
Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) made this announcement ahead of the National Sports Card Convention in late July, signifying a significant step forward in the collectibles industry. With nearly 100 million items certified since 1987, CCG’s integration of JSA earlier this year aimed to broaden its autograph authentication capabilities. The future holds combined services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters, expanding the reach of this partnership.
The timing of this launch couldn’t be more perfect as CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at The National, making it convenient for collectors attending the event. Alongside traditional submission methods through mail, collectors and dealers can enjoy on-site services, allowing for immediate authentication, grading, and encapsulation of cards.
CGC’s reputation for witnessed signature authentication dates back to 2001 with its CGC Signature Series for comics. The forthcoming CGC Signature Series for cards promises a comprehensive suite of services, leveraging the expertise of both CGC and JSA to cater to autograph collectors’ needs.
JSA, founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., stands out as a premier autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database with close to 1 million images. By combining this rich resource with cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures precise authentication processes to maintain the integrity of autographed cards.
Autographed cards that pass through the authentication and grading by CGC and JSA will sport a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. Featuring both brand names and a yellow “Authentic Autograph” designation, reminiscent of CGC’s authenticity indication color, these labels also offer autograph grading upon request, prominently displayed alongside the card’s grade and description. Moreover, the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label comes with CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed insight into the signers.
For high-end cards, collectors can aspire to the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, exclusively reserved for cards achieving a CGC Pristine 10 grade, reflecting the epitome of card condition and authenticity.
CCG’s CEO, Steven R. Eichenbaum, emphasized the importance of this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal development in 2024. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement about launching combined card services at The National, fulfilling a demand that has persisted for almost two decades.
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website. The submission process involves selecting “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing the grading tier, with pricing structured based on the grading tier selected, along with additional CGC Cards grading fees.
CGC and JSA have dedicated themselves to providing top-tier services, ensuring each submission receives meticulous attention and expertise. This new collaboration marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
