Collectors and dealers in the world of autographed cards have a new reason to rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) have joined forces to create a seamless experience for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This partnership is a game-changer in the industry, covering a wide range of cards, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
In the lead-up to the National Sports Card Convention running from July 24-28, the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) made a significant announcement. As of July 15, 2024, CGC Cards and JSA began offering their integrated service, allowing collectors to conveniently submit autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in a single, streamlined process.
Expanding on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics launched in May, CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier this year has paved the way for combined authentication and grading services for various collectibles. The future roadmap includes plans for offering integrated authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
Just in time for the highly anticipated National Sports Card Convention, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available for enthusiasts to explore. Alongside regular submissions, collectors and dealers attending the event can also opt for comprehensive on-site services. This means they can have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated right on the spot, providing an unparalleled experience.
Having introduced witnessed signature authentication through CGC Signature Series for comics back in 2001, CGC is gearing up for the full-fledged launch of CGC Signature Series for cards. This development is set to cater to the needs of autograph collectors, offering a wide array of services that draw on the combined expertise of CGC and JSA.
Founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA has established itself as a top-tier autograph authentication service in the industry. With nearly 1 million images in its autograph database, JSA leverages state-of-the-art technology and extensive resources to ensure accurate authentication for collectors worldwide.
Autographed cards that receive certification from CGC and JSA will feature a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This labeling includes both brand names and prominently showcases the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow, a color traditionally used by CGC to signify genuine signatures. Additionally, upon request, cards can undergo autograph grading, with the assigned grade prominently displayed on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. For the cherry on top, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will come with CGC Cards Grader Notes, providing detailed insights about the signatures.
For cards of the highest caliber, CGC Cards offers the exclusive gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that earn a CGC Pristine 10 grade, signifying top-notch quality and rarity.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting, “The combination of our top-notch grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication services is a highlight of 2024 for CCG.” James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, echoed this sentiment, expressing his delight in fulfilling collectors’ longstanding requests with the launch of combined services for cards at The National.
Enthusiasts seeking more information on submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification can visit the CGC Cards website. The submission process can be initiated through the CGC Cards online form by selecting the “JSA Autograph Authentication” option after choosing the desired grading tier. The pricing for JSA autograph authentication aligns with the chosen grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable based on the services requested.
CGC and JSA are dedicated to delivering top-notch services to collectors, ensuring that each submission is treated with the utmost care and expertise. This innovative offering represents a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
