CGC Cards and JSA Now Offering Combined Services for TCGs, Sports Cards and Non-sports Cards

The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) is bringing the heat ahead of The National Sports Card Convention, July 24-28, with the announcement that CGC Cards™, the hobby’s fastest-growing card grading service, and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®), the world leader in autograph authentication, are now offering combined services for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. As of July 15, 2024, collectors can submit autographed cards for authentication by JSA and grading and encapsulation by CGC Cards in one seamless solution.

Combined autograph and card authentication and grading services follow the highly successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics in May. CCG, one of the largest and most respected collectibles grading services in the world with nearly 100 million items certified since 1987, acquired JSA earlier this year to add autograph authentication to its expansive service offerings. Next up: combined autograph authentication and grading for magazines, pulps and concert posters — look for announcements as more services become available.

CGC x JSA certification services for cards are here just in time for the biggest card collecting event of the year — The National. In addition to accepting regular CGC x JSA submissions at the show and through the mail, CGC Cards is offering comprehensive on-site services at The National, enabling collectors and dealers to have their cards — including autographed cards — authenticated, graded and encapsulated while they wait.

CGC pioneered witnessed signature authentication when it introduced CGC Signature Series for comics in 2001, expanding to comprehensive authentication and grading services for all autographs with the combination CGC and JSA. Meanwhile, the full launch of CGC Signature Series for cards is coming very soon, giving autograph collectors the hobby's most robust suite of services with CGC and JSA.

JSA was founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., and today is recognized everywhere as the premier autograph authentication service for all types of collectibles, with a particularly esteemed reputation in the sports collecting world. In the last two decades, JSA has certified millions of autographs and in the process has built the world’s largest autograph database of nearly 1 million images encompassing virtually every known person. JSA uses this extraordinary database alongside deep expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to maintain unparalleled accuracy in autograph authentication.

Introducing the new CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label

Autographed cards certified by CGC and JSA will be encapsulated with the new and distinctive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, featuring both brand names and “Authentic Autograph” in yellow, a color that has long been used by CGC to indicate genuine signatures. CGC and JSA combined services include autograph grading on request (see below), with the autograph grade displayed prominently on the front of the label alongside the card’s grade and description. Plus, cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label will receive CGC Cards Grader Notes identifying pertinent details about the signers, available at CGC Cards Verify Certification.

For the best of the best, only CGC Cards offers the lux, gold CGC x JSA Pristine 10 label, which will be used only for cards that receive a grade of CGC Pristine 10.

Check out the FAQs below for more submission details.

“2024 has been a big year for CCG, but the highlight is undoubtedly the combination of our world-class grading services with JSA’s expert autograph authentication services,” said Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG. “Expanding our combined services to cards ahead of The National along with offering on-site authentication and grading at the show gives collectors the opportunity to experience CGC x JSA firsthand, on the biggest stage in the card collecting hobby.”

“It was incredibly exciting to launch combined CGC and JSA services for comics, but I have to say, launching cards at The National is the ultimate thrill,” added James J. Spence, Jr., JSA President. “This is something that collectors have been asking for since I started JSA almost 20 years ago, and I am delighted to be able to offer it today.”

 

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The First Card Certified by CGC x JSA

James J. Spence, Jr. was 8 years old in 1968 when he purchased a pack of Topps baseball cards (with gum) at a local convenience store in Englewood, NJ, called Ed’s Candy Pit. His six cents scored him Mickey Mantle’s second-to-last regular season card, which he placed in his wallet. About 20 years later, he had the opportunity to have the well-loved card signed by Mantle in blue ballpoint. Now, the card’s story continues as the first card certified by CGC x JSA.

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How to submit cards for CGC x JSA certification

Autograph collectors can now submit cards for CGC x JSA certification using the CGC Cards online submission form. Just select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after you select your grading tier. Pricing for JSA autograph authentication for cards is based on the grading tier you choose.

Card grading fees are additional to JSA autograph authentication fees.

CGC x JSA grading tiers and fees for cards (per card):

Want to get your autographs graded?

There’s no additional cost for autograph grading for cards submitted for CGC x JSA certification! You can also specify a minimum grade for both your card and your autograph when submitting for CGC x JSA services. If you specify a card minimum grade and your card meets or exceeds it, it will receive a numeric grade. If your card is below your minimum grade, it will receive an Authentic (AU) designation only.

Similarly, if you specify an autograph minimum grade and your autograph meets or exceeds it, it will receive a numeric grade. If your autograph is below your minimum grade, it will be deemed authentic only. See the FAQs for detailed submission instructions.

Submit today!

All you need is a free account to submit, and don’t forget about the discounts for paid members! Associate and Premium members save 10%, and Elite members save 20%. For general information about how to submit to CGC Cards, go here, and read the FAQs below for everything you need to know about submitting for CGC x JSA certification.

Ready to join CGC or upgrade your account? Select your membership level here. If you have questions about CGC x JSA certification services, please contact CGC Customer Service at 855-GRADE10 (855-472-3310) or Service@CGCcards.com.

FAQs

What types of collectibles can I submit today for combined CGC and JSA certification?

Beginning July 15, 2024, you can submit autographed TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards, along with comic books, for combined CGC and JSA certification. When filling out the CGC Cards online submission form, select “JSA Autograph Authentication” after selecting your grading tier.

To learn more about submitting comic books for combined CGC and JSA certification, go here.

When can I submit my autographed magazines for combined CGC and JSA certification?

Combined CGC and JSA certification services for magazines as well as pulps and concert posters are currently in development, and will be among the next CGC x JSA offerings. Services and pricing for magazines, pulps and concert posters will be announced in the coming months.

Do I need to submit pack-pulled (manufacturer’s certified) autographs to CGC x JSA certification?

No, unless your card is one of the types listed below. You can continue to submit pack-pulled autographs to CGC for its regular certification services. However, you may submit pack-pulled autographs for JSA autograph authentication if you would like. Please note that you can only name a minimum autograph grade for pack-pulled autographs if you select JSA autograph authentication.

The following pack-pulled autograph cards MUST always be submitted for CGC x JSA certification:

• 1994 Upper Deck Classic Alumni #298 Alex Rodriguez Auto
• 1997-1998 Score Board Kobe Bryant Autos
• 1997-1998 Skybox Premium Autographics Charles Barkley Auto
• 1998-1999 Skybox Premium Autographics Tim Duncan Auto
• 1999-2000 Skybox Premium Autographics David Robinson Auto
• 1996-1997 Skybox Premium Autographics Steve Nash Auto
• All years McDonalds Autographs
• All years (2000-2015) Topps Rookie Premiere/ (03/04 - 08/09) Topps Photo Shoot/ (2006-2007-2010) Topps AFLAC Autographs (Unless serial numbered)
• All years (1990-1992) Star Pics Autographs
• All years (1991-1997) Pro Line Autographs
• All years (1996-1997) Scoreboard/ (1991-1995) Classic/ (1991-1992) Front Row/ (1991-1992) Little Sun Autographs of Shaquille O’Neal/Kobe Bryant/Derek Jeter
• All years Upper Deck Buyback Autographs that do not have the original UDA Certificate
• 1994 Upper Deck Alex Rodriguez, Mickey Mantle, & Ken Griffey Jr. Autographs
• 1992 Fleer Ultra Career Highlights Reggie White Auto
• 1994 Signatures Rookies Derek Jeter Mail In Promo Auto /1000
• 1995 Action Packed 24KT Gold #1D Derek Jeter Auto
• 1997 & 1998 Bowman’s Best Atomic Refractor Autos
• 1997 Skybox Batman & Robin Uma Thurman Auto
• 2001 Upper Deck Legends Football Legends Autograph Set
• 2001 Fleer Legacy Albert Pujols Autographs
• 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Tom Brady Autos
• 2005 Comic Images The Apprentice Donald Trump Auto
• 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols Rookie Auto
• 2001 SPx Albert Pujols Rookie Auto
• 2001 Fleer Legacy Albert Pujols Rookie Auto
• 1992 Classic Muhammad Ali Auto

If JSA autograph authentication is not selected for any of the above card types, CGC will automatically add this service and charge the appropriate authentication and grading fees.

Note: This list is subject to change at any point at the discretion of CGC and JSA.

Should I send my autographed cards to CGC or JSA?

All autographed cards (as well as comics) should be shipped to CGC or submitted to CGC at a show. All other autographed collectibles should be shipped to either JSA’s New Jersey or Florida facility, or submitted to JSA at a show.

Will my autograph(s) be authenticated by CGC or JSA?

All autographs will be authenticated by JSA, using the world’s largest autograph exemplar database of approximately 1 million files, unmatched expertise and state-of-the-art technology.

How much does JSA autograph authentication cost?

Pricing for JSA autograph authentication for cards is based on the grading tier selected. And to give submitters more affordable options for submitting autographed cards, CGC Cards has reintroduced the Standard tier for cards valued at $3,000 or less. JSA autograph authentication fees are per card, regardless of the number of autographs, and include autograph grading if selected by the submitter. CGC Cards grading fees are additional.

• For Bulk submissions (25-card minimum; $500 maximum value), the JSA fee is $15 per card.
• For Economy submissions ($1,000 maximum value), the JSA fee is $20 per card.
• For Standard submissions ($3,000 maximum value), the JSA fee is $70 per card.
• For Express submissions ($10,000 maximum value), the JSA fee is $150 per card.
• For WalkThrough submissions (unlimited maximum value), the JSA fee is $300 per card.

For an autographed card worth $1,000, you pay just $34 for combined CGC x JSA certification. Additional savings are available for bulk submissions and paid members (see the next FAQ).

For a complete list of CGC Cards services and fees, go here.

For CGC x JSA services and fees for comic books, go here.

Will my CGC paid member benefits apply to JSA services?

CGC Associate and Premium members will receive a 10% discount on combined JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading, and CGC Elite members will receive a 20% discount on combined JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading. These discounts do not apply to JSA-only services, however, and other exclusions apply. For more details and to select a membership tier, go here.

Can I use my CGC membership credit toward combined CGC and JSA services?

Yes. The $150 credit that comes with a CGC Premium or Elite membership can be applied toward CGC x JSA certification. Please note that CGC credits cannot be applied toward JSA-only services. For more details and to select a membership tier, go here.

Can I get my autograph(s) graded?

Yes. There’s no additional cost for autograph grading for cards submitted for CGC x JSA certification.

You can also specify a minimum autograph grade by selecting “Minimum Autograph Grade” when you enter your card’s details. You have three options:

1. Grade the autograph at “Any grade,” which means the autograph will always get a grade.
2. Designate it as “Authentic only,” which means the autograph will not be graded at all.
3. Specify your minimum autograph grade, which means the autograph will only receive a numeric grade if the grade is at least as high as your minimum.

Only cards with two or fewer autographs are eligible to receive an autograph grade. For cards with two autographs, the autograph grade will reflect the combined grade of both autographs. For a complete list of CGC Cards services and fees, go here.

Can I specify a minimum grade for my card?

Yes, you can now specify a card minimum grade when submitting for CGC x JSA certification. (The card minimum grade option will be rolled out to regular CGC Cards services in the future.)

When you select “JSA Autograph Authentication” on the CGC Cards online submission form (after selecting your grading tier), you’ll have the option to choose a “Minimum Card Grade.” If you specify a minimum grade and your card meets or exceeds it, it will receive a numeric grade. If your card is below your minimum grade, it will receive an Authentic (AU) designation only. The full grading fees will apply in either case. If you do not choose a minimum card grade, your card will receive a numeric grade.

Why is there a two-autograph maximum for autograph grading?

When autograph grading is selected, the card receives a single autograph grade. Attempting to blend the autograph grade across three or more autographs could add ambiguity to the grade.

What label will my autographed card receive?

Autographed cards submitted for CGC Cards certification may receive the following labels:

• If your autograph is determined to be genuine by JSA, your card will receive the new CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.
• If your autograph was witnessed by CGC (or JSA), your card will receive the CGC Signature Series label, unless your card also has an unwitnessed autograph.
• If your card has both witnessed and unwitnessed autographs — and they are all genuine — your card will receive the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.
• If your autograph is pack-pulled (manufacturer’s certified), your card will receive the standard CGC Cards black label (unless you requested JSA autograph authentication).
• If your card receives a CGC Pristine 10 grade, your card will receive a variant of the lux, gold CGC Pristine 10 label.

Note: All cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph labels will receive CGC Grader Notes describing the outcome of JSA’s evaluation. CGC Grader Notes will soon be available for free by entering a card’s CGC certification number at CGCcards.com.

What happens if my autograph is determined to be not genuine?

If your autograph is not genuine, altered or unverifiable, your card will NOT be encapsulated by CGC Cards.

If your autograph is not genuine or altered, the full JSA autograph authentication fees will apply, but the CGC Cards grading fees will be refunded. If your autograph is unverifiable, the JSA autograph authentication fees will be refunded except for a $9 processing fee. The CGC Cards grading fees will also be refunded.

What happens if I have a genuine autograph on a card that is not genuine?

If your autograph is genuine, but your card is not, the card will NOT be encapsulated by CGC Cards. The full JSA autograph authentication and CGC Cards grading fees will apply.

Will CGC offer custom CGC x JSA labels for cards?

Yes. We have plans for custom CGC x JSA labels for cards in the future.

What if my autograph was previously witnessed by JSA?

If your autograph was witnessed by CGC or JSA (as part of the JSA Witness Protection Program (WPP)), your card will receive the CGC Cards Signature Series label, unless your card also has an unwitnessed autograph. If your card has both witnessed and unwitnessed autographs — and they are all genuine — your card will receive the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.

If your autographed collectible has a JSA WPP sticker on it, you should select “Grading” as your primary service and “JSA Autograph Authentication” (after choosing your tier) when filling out the CGC Cards online submission form. JSA autograph authentication fees still apply because JSA must reverify the authenticity of the autograph and JSA WPP sticker. If the autograph and JSA WPP sticker are genuine, your card will be automatically encapsulated with the CGC Signature Series label, which will identify the signer’s name. The CGC Grader Notes on the CGC website (coming soon!) will identify the signer’s name and the date the signing was witnessed along with a notation that the signature was witnessed by JSA.

Can I resubmit autographed cards with a CGC Qualified green label for JSA autograph authentication?

Yes. While CGC Cards hasn’t used the CGC Qualified green label for some time, if you do have an autographed card that received a green label, it is eligible for CGC x JSA certification. Submit these cards under an applicable grading tier and select “JSA Autograph Authentication” as your next step. JSA will determine if the autograph is genuine, and CGC will regrade and encapsulate the card. If the autograph is authentic, the card will be encapsulated with the new CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.

Can I submit autographed cards that have already been authenticated by JSA for CGC grading and encapsulation?

Yes. You can now submit cards with JSA-authenticated autographs for CGC Cards grading and encapsulation. Simply select an applicable grading tier and choose “JSA Autograph Authentication” as your next step. JSA authentication and CGC Cards grading fees apply for all resubmissions because JSA will reauthenticate the autograph and CGC will regrade the card. To provide an extra layer of scrutiny, cards with autographs that were witnessed by JSA must also be submitted for autograph authentication.

Can I submit an autographed card for CGC Signature Series?

The full launch of CGC Signature Series for cards is coming very soon, and in the meantime, we’re offering private signings with select signers. For already-autographed cards submitted for CGC Signature Series, if the autograph is authentic, the card will receive the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.

Can I submit autographed cards for CrossOver service?

Yes. Autographed cards certified by another third-party grading company are eligible for CGC x JSA certification. JSA will authenticate the autograph and, if the autograph is determined to be authentic, CGC will grade and encapsulate the card with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label.

For more information about the CGC Cards CrossOver service, visit our Services & Fees page.

Can I opt out of JSA autograph authentication?

If you have a card with a pack-pulled (manufacturer’s certified) autograph, you can still submit it for regular CGC Cards grading (unless it is one of the types listed here). However, all other autographed cards must be submitted for JSA autograph authentication. If you do not select JSA autograph authentication for autographed cards, this service will automatically be added and the submitter will be responsible for appliable fees.

Can I submit to JSA at CGC’s booth at shows?

CGC is now accepting autographed cards (and comics) at its show booths for combined CGC and JSA certification. Submissions for JSA-only services should still be made at JSA’s booth.

Can I submit to CGC at JSA’s booth at shows?

Not yet. Plans for a combined show presence are in the works and will be announced in the coming months.

Will JSA’s show schedule change?

There are no plans to change JSA’s show attendance schedule.

Can I submit my card for JSA autograph authentication only?

Autographed cards must be submitted for combined CGC and JSA certification services. The autograph on the card will be authenticated by JSA and then seamlessly transferred to CGC for grading and encapsulation. However, if you would like, you can now request that CGC designate the card as Authentic (AU) — instead of receiving a numeric grade — when submitting for CGC x JSA certification.

Will CGC ship my submission to JSA for autograph authentication?

All JSA autograph authentication will occur while the card is at CGC’s facilities. Cards are not expected to be shipped from CGC to JSA.

Is CGC Cards offering JSA services internationally?

Not yet, but we are working on it. Look for more details to be announced as CCG and JSA expand their services to other locations and collectible categories.