Collectors and dealers immersed in the world of autographed cards have reason to rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) have united forces to revolutionize the process of submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This innovative collaboration encompasses trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards, promising a seamless experience for enthusiasts.
In anticipation of the upcoming National Sports Card Convention, the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) made a significant announcement that CGC Cards and JSA have officially rolled out their integrated service as of July 15, 2024. Enthusiasts can now submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation through a single, streamlined process, delivering convenience and efficiency.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics introduced in May, CCG seized the opportunity to expand its autograph authentication offerings by acquiring JSA earlier this year. The collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA will soon extend to authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters in the near future, catering to a diverse range of collectibles.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect as CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at The National, the premier card collecting event of the year. Beyond standard submissions at the event and via mail, CGC Cards will offer comprehensive on-site services, enabling collectors and dealers to have their cards swiftly authenticated, graded, and encapsulated directly at the event.
Having pioneered witnessed signature authentication through its CGC Signature Series for comics back in 2001, CGC is now gearing up for the full-fledged launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards. This launch will provide autograph collectors with an array of services, leveraging the combined expertise of CGC and JSA to elevate the authentication and grading experience.
Established by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, JSA stands as a renowned autograph authentication service, distinguished for its meticulous approach and unrivaled expertise in the field. Leveraging a massive autograph database boasting nearly 1 million images, JSA utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure precise authentication services, setting industry standards.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will showcase a distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, prominently featuring both brand names and the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow, a color traditionally associated with genuine signatures by CGC. Upon request, cards can also receive autograph grading, with the assigned grade prominently displayed on the label alongside the card’s grade and description. Furthermore, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will include detailed CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering comprehensive information about the signers.
For premium cards, CGC Cards presents the luxurious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, an exclusive designation reserved for cards that achieve a perfect CGC Pristine 10 grade, exemplifying the pinnacle of quality and rarity.
Steve R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this partnership as a defining moment for the robust services provided, highlighting the seamless integration of world-class grading and expert autograph authentication services. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expressed his excitement about launching combined services for cards at The National, a milestone that collectors have long awaited, marking a new chapter for the industry.
For detailed instructions on submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors are encouraged to visit the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be completed through the CGC Cards online submission form, with collectors opting for “JSA Autograph Authentication” after selecting their desired grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable based on the chosen service level.
CGC and JSA are dedicated to offering collectors unparalleled services, ensuring that every submission is meticulously handled with expertise and care. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant advancement in the collectibles industry, promising to enhance the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide, setting a new standard for autograph authentication and grading.
