Collectors and dealers in the vibrant world of autographed cards have a reason to rejoice as CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) come together to offer a seamless experience for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading. This partnership covers a wide range of cards, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards, catering to a diverse collector base.
The collaboration between CGC Cards and JSA was officially launched ahead of the National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28. Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) introduced this integrated service on July 15, 2024, allowing collectors to conveniently submit autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in a single, straightforward process.
Expanding on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics rolled out in May, this new service is part of CCG’s strategic move to enhance its autograph authentication offerings after acquiring JSA earlier in the year. The future roadmap includes plans for combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters, promising collectors a comprehensive suite of services.
Coinciding with one of the biggest card collecting events of the year, The National, the CGC x JSA certification services for cards will be available at the event. In addition to accepting submissions at the show and through the mail, CGC Cards is set to provide comprehensive on-site services, enabling collectors and dealers to have their cards authenticated, graded, and encapsulated on-site, promising a hassle-free experience.
With the introduction of the CGC Signature Series for cards on the horizon, autograph collectors can look forward to a wide array of services tailored to meet their needs through the combined expertise of CGC and JSA. CGC, known for pioneering witnessed signature authentication with its CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, is set to bring this expertise to the world of card collecting.
Founded by James Spence, Jr. in 2005, JSA is renowned as the premier autograph authentication service, boasting the world’s largest autograph database with nearly 1 million images. By leveraging this vast resource alongside cutting-edge technology, JSA ensures accurate authentication, providing collectors with peace of mind regarding the authenticity of their prized autographed cards.
Autographed cards certified by both CGC and JSA will bear a unique CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, prominently displaying both brand names while highlighting the “Authentic Autograph” designation in yellow. The label also offers the option for autograph grading upon request, with the grade prominently featured alongside the card’s grade and description. Moreover, cards encapsulated with this label will include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering collectors detailed insights about the signers.
For premium cards that stand out, CGC Cards offers a luxurious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade, adding an extra touch of prestige for top-tier collectors.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for both companies in 2024. James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President, expressed his excitement about launching combined services for cards at The National, fulfilling a longstanding request from collectors and marking a milestone for JSA.
Collectors keen on exploring the process of submitting cards for CGC x JSA certification can find detailed information on the CGC Cards website. Submission procedures are streamlined through the CGC Cards 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.
CGC and JSA are dedicated to delivering top-notch services to collectors, ensuring that each submission is handled meticulously and with expert care. This partnership sets a new standard in the collectibles industry, promising to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide and cementing CGC and JSA as premier players in the field.