Collectors and dealers immersed in the world of autographed cards have reason to celebrate with the unveiling of a groundbreaking partnership between CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®). This dynamic collaboration introduces a streamlined process for submitting autographed cards for authentication and grading, catering to trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards alike.
Amid the buzz leading up to the National Sports Card Convention scheduled from July 24-28, the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) has officially launched the integrated CGC Cards and JSA service starting July 15, 2024. This combined offering empowers collectors to engage in a hassle-free experience by submitting their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation through a single, user-friendly process.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics introduced in May, CCG’s recent acquisition of JSA has paved the way for an expanded suite of autograph authentication services. Aiming to elevate the collector experience further, upcoming initiatives will include combined authentication and grading services for magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
As anticipation mounts for the National Sports Card Convention, collectors can take advantage of the CGC x JSA certification services for cards offered during the event. In addition to conventional submission methods available both at the show and via mail, CGC Cards will provide comprehensive on-site services at The National, enabling collectors and dealers to authenticate, grade, and encapsulate their cards on the spot.
Establishing itself as a trailblazer in witnessed signature authentication through the CGC Signature Series for comics since 2001, CGC is gearing up for the full-fledged rollout of the CGC Signature Series for cards. This initiative promises to deliver a comprehensive array of services tailored to autograph collectors, drawing on the collective expertise of CGC and JSA.
With a rich history dating back to its inception in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., JSA has solidified its reputation as a premier autograph authentication service. Leveraging the world’s largest autograph database comprising nearly 1 million images, JSA blends this vast resource with cutting-edge technology to ensure precise and reliable authentication services.
Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will sport a unique CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, prominently displaying both brand names while accentuating the “Authentic Autograph” endorsement in a distinctive yellow hue—a color traditionally associated with genuine signatures by CGC. Upon request, cards can undergo autograph grading, with the ensuing grade prominently featured on the label alongside the card’s grade and details. Cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will also include CGC Cards Grader Notes, furnishing collectors with comprehensive insights into the signers.
For premium-grade cards, collectors can aspire to the coveted gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, an exclusive designation reserved for cards that achieve a CGC Pristine 10 grade, exemplifying top-tier quality and rarity.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasizes the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “2024 has been a monumental year for CCG, marked by the fusion of our elite grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication services.” Echoing this sentiment, James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, expresses his excitement, remarking, “The launch of combined card services at The National is truly exhilarating. This offering has been a long-standing request from collectors over the past two decades, and I am thrilled to bring it to fruition today.”
Enthusiasts eager to explore the submission process for CGC x JSA certification can navigate to the CGC Cards website for detailed guidelines. Utilizing the CGC Cards online submission form, collectors can seamlessly select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after designating their preferred grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication is tier-based, accompanied by additional CGC Cards grading fees.
With a steadfast commitment to delivering unparalleled services to collectors worldwide, CGC and JSA vow to handle each submission with precision and care. This pioneering collaboration signifies a pivotal milestone in the collectibles industry, poised to elevate the collecting experience for enthusiasts across the globe.
