Collectors and dealers alike have reason to celebrate as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) join forces to revolutionize the authentication and grading process for autographed cards. This groundbreaking partnership introduces a combined service that caters to trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards enthusiasts, making the submission process easier and more streamlined.
The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) unveiled this collaborative effort just ahead of the National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28. The integration of CGC Cards and JSA services officially commenced on July 15, 2024, offering collectors the opportunity to submit autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation through a single, user-friendly process.
This innovative service follows the successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May, leveraging CCG’s extensive experience in collectibles grading since 1987. The recent acquisition of JSA earlier this year further solidified CCG’s position in the autograph authentication market. Furthermore, plans are already in motion to extend this combined authentication and grading service to magazines, pulps, and concert posters in the near future.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with CGC x JSA certification services for autographed cards set to debut at The National. Alongside accepting standard submissions at the convention and via mail, CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site services, allowing collectors and dealers to have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated promptly on location.
CGC made waves in the collectibles industry back in 2001 by pioneering witnessed signature authentication through its CGC Signature Series for comics. Now, the imminent launch of CGC Signature Series for cards will cater specifically to autograph collectors, offering a comprehensive range of services crafted from the combined expertise of CGC and JSA.
Founded by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, JSA has become synonymous with premier autograph authentication services. Boasting the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images, JSA employs cutting-edge technology alongside this extensive resource to ensure the utmost accuracy in authentication processes.
Autographed cards that receive certification from CGC and JSA will bear a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. This label prominently features both brand names and showcases the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow, a color known for indicating genuine signatures in CGC’s history. Additionally, upon request, cards can undergo autograph grading, with the resulting 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 CGC Cards Grader Notes, furnishing collectors with detailed information about the signers.
For top-tier cards, CGC Cards offers the prestigious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, an exclusive designation reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, remarking on the unparalleled synergies between CCG’s grading services and JSA’s autograph authentication expertise. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, shared his excitement for launching combined services for cards at The National, fulfilling a wish collectors have had since the inception of JSA almost two decades ago.
For detailed instructions on submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification, collectors can refer to the CGC Cards website. Submissions can be effortlessly made through the CGC Cards online submission form, where collectors can choose “JSA Autograph Authentication” after selecting their preferred grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication aligns with the chosen grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
The unwavering commitment of CGC and JSA to provide collectors with top-notch services underscores their dedication to ensuring every submission receives meticulous attention and expertise. This pioneering offering heralds a monumental moment in the collectibles sector, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
