Collectors and dealers in the world of autographed cards have reason to cheer as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) team up to offer a seamless experience for authentication and grading. This partnership, effective from July 15, 2024, covers a wide range of cards, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) made the groundbreaking announcement just ahead of the National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28. This new integrated service allows collectors to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one convenient process.
Following the successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May, CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier in the year has led to expanding its autograph authentication services. The future holds promises of combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters on the horizon.
Timed perfectly for The National, the largest card collecting event of the year, CGC x JSA certification services will be available. Apart from the regular submission options at the show and through mail, CGC Cards will offer comprehensive on-site services, allowing for real-time authentication, grading, and encapsulation for collectors and dealers.
Initially known for pioneering witnessed signature authentication for comics in 2001 with CGC Signature Series, CGC is now gearing up for the full-fledged launch of CGC Signature Series for cards. This endeavor aims to provide collectors with a complete suite of services through the combined expertise of CGC and JSA.
Established in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA is a renowned autograph authentication service armed with the world’s largest autograph database containing nearly 1 million images. Leveraging this extensive resource along with cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures precise authentication services for collectors worldwide.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will sport a special CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This label, in yellow to denote authenticity, signifies the collaboration between the two brands. Autograph grading can also be requested, with the grade prominently displayed on the label along with the card’s grade and description. Moreover, cards encapsulated with this label will feature CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards offers the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved exclusively for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this partnership, labeling it as a highlight of the year. James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, echoed the sentiment, expressing delight in fulfilling collectors’ requests for combined services after two decades of JSA’s establishment.
Interested collectors can find submission details for CGC x JSA certification on the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be made using the online submission form, where collectors can select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
With a commitment to delivering top-notch services, CGC and JSA are all set to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the collectibles industry, promising a streamlined and enhanced experience for autographed card collectors and dealers alike.
