Collectors and dealers immersed in the thrill of autographed card hunting have a reason to rejoice as CGC Cards and JSA join forces to offer a seamless experience for submitting autographed cards. This groundbreaking partnership aims to streamline the authentication and grading process, catering to the needs of passionate collectors and seasoned dealers alike.
Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) recently revealed the exciting news of the collaboration between CGC Cards and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®). As of July 15, 2024, enthusiasts can now benefit from the integrated service, covering a wide array of collectibles including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, and non-sports cards.
Building on the success of the CGC x JSA certification for comics introduced in May, this new venture solidifies CCG’s position as a leading collectibles grading service with a history that dates back to 1987. The acquisition of JSA earlier this year paved the way for expanding autograph authentication services, laying the groundwork for future joint endeavors involving magazines, pulps, and concert posters.
With the anticipated National Sports Card Convention just around the corner from July 24-28, collectors can expect to engage with the CGC x JSA certification services firsthand. At the convention, CGC Cards will offer on-site services, allowing attendees to submit their autographed cards for JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation instantly.
CGC’s legacy in witnessed signature authentication, exemplified by the CGC Signature Series for comics since 2001, is set to expand into the realm of cards. The forthcoming CGC Signature Series for cards will cater to autograph collectors, providing a comprehensive suite of services fueled by the combined expertise of CGC and JSA.
JSA, founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., boasts a stellar reputation as the premier autograph authentication service in the industry. With nearly 1 million images in its autograph database, JSA leverages cutting-edge technology alongside a vast resource of authenticated signatures to ensure accurate and reliable authentication services for collectors and dealers alike.
Autographed cards certified through the CGC and JSA collaboration will bear a distinct CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, featuring both brand names and a vibrant yellow “Authentic Autograph” designation. This color choice pays homage to CGC’s tradition of using yellow to signify genuine signatures. Additionally, autograph grading can be requested, with the assigned grade prominently displayed on the label alongside the card’s overall grade and description. Cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will also include CGC Cards Grader Notes, offering detailed insights about the signatories.
For premium cards that reach the upper echelons of excellence, the luxurious gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label awaits, reserved for cards attaining a CGC Pristine 10 grade, indicative of unparalleled quality.
Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, underscoring its impact on the collectibles industry. James J. Spence, Jr., President of JSA, echoed the sentiment, expressing his delight in fulfilling collectors’ longstanding request for combined services, a dream come true after nearly 20 years in the industry.
Enthusiasts keen on submitting their cards for CGC x JSA certification can find detailed guidelines on the CGC Cards website. The online submission form simplifies the process, allowing collectors to select “JSA Autograph Authentication” within their chosen grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication aligns with the selected grading tier, with additional CGC Cards grading fees applicable.
The joint efforts of CGC and JSA reflect a commitment to enhancing the collecting experience for enthusiasts worldwide. As this new offering marks a significant milestone in the industry, collectors can look forward to a future filled with seamless, expert authentication and grading services designed to elevate the thrill of autographed card collecting.