Collectors and dealers rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to provide a harmonious experience for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This exciting new partnership caters to a wide range of card enthusiasts, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) made a groundbreaking announcement ahead of the National Sports Card Convention on July 24-28, revealing the collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA starting from July 15, 2024. This integration streamlines the process for collectors, offering the convenience of submitting autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation all in one go.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics launched in May, this partnership signifies CCG’s commitment to expanding its autograph authentication services. With nearly 100 million items certified since 1987, CCG acquired JSA earlier this year to broaden its authentication offerings, with future services planned for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
In anticipation of the National Sports Card Convention, CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at the event. Collectors and dealers attending the convention can take advantage of on-site services where their cards can be authenticated, graded, and encapsulated in real-time, alongside the option for regular submissions both in-person and through the mail.
CGC, well-known for pioneering witnessed signature authentication with its CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, is now expanding into the realm of cards. The imminent launch of CGC Signature Series for cards promises autograph collectors a comprehensive suite of services combining the expertise of CGC and JSA.
Founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA has established itself as the premier autograph authentication service. Leveraging the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images, JSA employs cutting-edge technology alongside this vast resource to ensure accurate authentication for collectors worldwide.
Autographed cards bearing the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will showcase a fusion of both brand names in a vibrant yellow “Authentic Autograph” designation. This distinctive label, reminiscent of CGC’s signature color for genuine signatures, also offers the option for autograph grading upon request. The label prominently displays the autograph grade alongside the card’s grade and description, with detailed Grader Notes from CGC Cards providing comprehensive information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards presents the exclusive gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved only for cards achieving the prestigious CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasizes the value of this partnership, calling it a pivotal moment for the company’s grading services combined with JSA’s expert authentication. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, shares the excitement stating, “Launching combined services for cards at The National is the ultimate thrill.”
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website. Submissions are facilitated through the online submission form, with collectors selecting “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication correlates with the selected grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applied.
With a mutual dedication to providing collectors with top-notch services, CGC and JSA are set on ensuring every submission is handled with care and expertise. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.