Collectors and dealers alike in the world of autographed cards have a reason to rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) have joined forces to provide a smooth process for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This collaboration, announced ahead of the National Sports Card Convention, encompasses trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards to cater to a wide range of collectors.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) revealed the launch of the CGC Cards and JSA combined service on July 15, 2024, just in time for the National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28. This integrated service allows collectors to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in a single, streamlined process.
Building on the success of CGC x JSA certification for comics introduced in May, CCG acquired JSA earlier this year to expand its autograph authentication offerings. The future looks promising with plans for combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters on the horizon.
Coinciding with the major card collecting event of the year, The National, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available. Alongside standard submissions, collectors and dealers can take advantage of comprehensive on-site services at the event, ensuring that their cards are authenticated, graded, and encapsulated promptly.
Having introduced witnessed signature authentication with the CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, CGC is gearing up for the full release of the CGC Signature Series for cards. This expansion aims to provide autograph collectors with a wide array of services combining the expertise of CGC and JSA for a holistic experience.
Established by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, JSA is renowned as the premier autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database comprising nearly 1 million images. Leveraging this extensive database and sophisticated technology, JSA ensures accurate authentication of autographs.
Autographed cards that receive certification from CGC and JSA will sport a special CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This label prominently displays both brand names and features the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow, a color traditionally associated with genuine signatures by CGC. Upon request, cards can also undergo autograph grading, with the assigned grade visibly showcased on the label alongside the card’s overall grade and description. Furthermore, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering in-depth insights about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards presents the exclusive gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, crafted for cards earning a prestigious CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, the CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of the partnership, highlighting how it combines top-notch grading services with expert autograph authentication. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement over launching integrated services for cards at The National, fulfilling a longstanding demand from collectors.
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be conveniently made through the CGC Cards online submission form, where collectors can choose “JSA Autograph Authentication” after selecting their preferred grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is based on the chosen grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
With a shared commitment to providing collectors with exceptional services, CGC and JSA are dedicated to handling every submission with care and expertise. This innovative offering represents a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.