Collectors and dealers of autographed cards have reason to celebrate as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to provide a groundbreaking integrated service for authentication and grading. This partnership, which covers trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards, offers a seamless experience for enthusiasts submitting their prized possessions for certification.
In a recent announcement by the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®), the collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA went live on July 15, 2024, just in time for the upcoming National Sports Card Convention from July 24-28. Building on the success of their joint certification services for comics launched in May, this new offering allows collectors to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading in one convenient process.
With CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier in the year, the partnership aims to expand autograph authentication services beyond comics to include a wide range of collectibles. Future plans include combined authentication and grading services for items such as magazines, pulps, and concert posters, catering to a diverse collector base.
Attendees at The National will have the opportunity to experience the CGC x JSA certification services firsthand. Besides accepting submissions at the event and through mail, CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site authentication, grading, and encapsulation services for collectors and dealers, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all.
CGC, known for pioneering witnessed signature authentication with its CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, is now bringing the same level of expertise to the world of card collecting. The imminent launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards promises to cater to autograph enthusiasts with a suite of services backed by the combined proficiency of CGC and JSA.
James Spence, Jr., who founded JSA in 2005, has established the organization as a premier autograph authentication service with the world’s largest autograph database. Leveraging a database of nearly 1 million images and cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures accurate authentication for autographed items, instilling confidence in collectors and dealers alike.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will bear the distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, featuring both brand logos and a prominent “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow. Additionally, collectors can opt for autograph grading, with the grade displayed on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. The CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label also includes CGC Cards Grader Notes, providing detailed information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards offers the coveted gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade, indicating the highest level of quality and authenticity.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for both companies. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement at launching combined services for cards at The National, fulfilling a longstanding request from collectors.
To learn more about submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can visit the CGC Cards website and utilize the online submission form. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable to ensure a smooth certification process.
With a shared commitment to providing top-notch services, CGC and JSA aim to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising to enhance the authenticity and value of autographed cards for collectors and dealers alike.
