Collectors and dealers immersed in the world of autographed cards have a reason to rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) have teamed up to provide a revolutionary service for authenticating and grading autographed cards. This new collaboration covers a wide range of cards, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) announced this exciting partnership just in time for the National Sports Card Convention from July 24-28. The integrated services from CGC Cards and JSA officially launched on July 15, 2024, offering collectors the convenience of submitting their autographed cards for authentication by JSA and grading by CGC Cards in a seamless process.
Following the successful introduction of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May, CCG acquired JSA to expand its autograph authentication services earlier this year. This partnership is paving the way for future combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
As card collectors gear up for the National Sports Card Convention, they can take advantage of the CGC x JSA certification services available at the event. In addition to accepting submissions at the show and via mail, CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site services, allowing collectors and dealers to have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated on the spot.
CGC, known for pioneering witnessed signature authentication with its CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, is now extending its expertise to the card collecting community. The upcoming full launch of CGC Signature Series for cards, in collaboration with JSA, will cater to autograph collectors looking for a comprehensive suite of services.
Established in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is widely recognized as a leading autograph authentication service. Leveraging the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images, JSA utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate authentication for collectors worldwide.
Autographed cards authenticated by CGC and JSA will feature a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, showcasing both brand names and prominently displaying the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow, a color traditionally used by CGC for genuine signatures. Additionally, collectors can request autograph grading, with the grade highlighted on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. The CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will also include CGC Cards Grader Notes, providing detailed information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards offers the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, exclusively reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the importance of this partnership, recognizing it as a significant milestone for the company. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement for launching combined card services at The National, fulfilling a long-standing request from collectors.
For detailed instructions on submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website and use the online submission form. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is aligned with the chosen grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
The partnership between CGC and JSA marks a new era in the collectibles industry, promising collectors a seamless and expertly handled experience for their submissions. This innovative collaboration is set to elevate the collecting journey for enthusiasts worldwide.
