Collectors and dealers in the world of autographed cards have something to celebrate as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to streamline the process of submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This collaboration, launched ahead of the National Sports Card Convention, brings together the expertise of both entities to offer a seamless experience for trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards enthusiasts.
Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) made the announcement regarding the partnership between CGC Cards and JSA, effective as of July 15, 2024. This integrated service allows collectors to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one simple and efficient process. Following the successful rollout of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May, this expansion to cards further solidifies CCG’s commitment to providing top-notch collectibles grading services.
The collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA doesn’t stop at cards. Future plans include extending the combined authentication and grading services to magazines, pulps, and concert posters, broadening the scope of offerings for collectors and dealers alike. With nearly 100 million items certified since 1987, CCG’s acquisition of JSA earlier this year has set the stage for an enhanced autograph authentication experience in the collectibles industry.
Attendees of The National Sports Card Convention will have the opportunity to take advantage of the CGC x JSA certification services for cards. In addition to accepting submissions at the event and through mail, CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site authentication, grading, and encapsulation services, allowing collectors to leave the convention with their cards fully authenticated and encapsulated.
CGC’s history of pioneering witnessed signature authentication through the CGC Signature Series for comics has paved the way for the full-fledged launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards. This service offers autograph collectors a complete suite of services, drawing on the combined expertise of CGC and JSA to ensure the authenticity and quality of autographed cards.
Founded by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, JSA is renowned as a premier autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images. Leveraging this extensive resource and cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures accurate authentication of autographs, setting a high standard for the industry.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will bear the distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, showcasing both brand names and featuring a yellow “Authentic Autograph” designation – a color historically associated with CGC for genuine signatures. Collectors can also opt for autograph grading, with the grade prominently displayed on the label alongside the card’s overall grade and description. The encapsulated cards will include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed information about the signers.
For high-end cards, CGC Cards offers the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade, marking them as top-tier collectibles in the industry.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of the partnership, underscoring how it combines top-level grading services with expert autograph authentication. 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 and enthusiasts.
For collectors interested in submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, detailed instructions are available on the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be made easily through the online submission form, where collectors can select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after choosing their preferred grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
By uniting forces, CGC and JSA are dedicated to providing collectors with top-notch services, ensuring that every submission is handled with precision and care. This new offering signifies a major milestone in the collectibles industry, promising an enriched collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
