The Difference Between CGC x JSA Autograph Authentication and CGC Signature Series

CGC® and JSA® launched combined services during the summer of 2024, providing autograph collectors with the most extensive services for signed collectibles in the hobby. The combination of JSA autograph authentication with CGC's expert grading and state-of-the-art holders has become a seamless solution to authenticate and preserve autographed collectibles, and the services are available worldwide.

With CGC x JSA certification and CGC Signature Series, collectors and dealers have service options for every type of autograph acquired. Did you acquire an unwitnessed autograph at a comic con or buy an already-autographed sports card? If so, CGC x JSA is your go-to service. Would you like to acquire an autograph at a show or other CGC signing event? Then CGC Signature Series has you covered. Keep reading to find out more about which service is best for your collectibles!

CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification – the renowned authority on unwitnessed autographs

JSA was founded in 2005 and today is recognized everywhere as the most esteemed autograph authentication service for all types of collectibles, with a particularly renowned 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. JSA uses this extraordinary database alongside deep expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to authenticate unwitnessed autographs, such as:

• Already-autographed comics and cards purchased online or from a retail shop.
• Autographs you obtained at a past event, such as a comic con or sports event.
• Sports cards with pack-pulled autographs. (Some pack-pulled autograph cards even require CGC x JSA certification; see a list here.)

CGC Signature Series – the premier source for obtaining witnessed autographs

Established in 2001, CGC Signature Series is the premier source for obtaining witnessed autographs from the world’s most revered creators, celebrities and athletes. Because signatures are witnessed, authenticated and graded by CGC, collectors can trust autographed collectibles with the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label.

CGC Signature Series options include:

• Show Witnessed Signings, which are offered at shows where CGC has a booth and authorized witnesses.
• CGC Facilitator Signings, which are events arranged by CGC Authorized Facilitators.
• CGC Private Signings, a premium service that enables submitters to send their cards directly to CGC, where the CGC Signature Series team handles the entire signing and grading process.

JSA also offers witnessed stickering for memorabilia. With the JSA Witnessed service, a JSA representative watches the signing (generally taking place at a show, convention or other event) in order to validate the signature, and the JSA Witnessed sticker shows the autograph is certified by JSA. The JSA Witnessed sticker removes any doubt that the autographed memorabilia you buy and sell is authentic. Note: This service is only for items that are not also encapsulated by CGC.

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%.

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