CGC, the world leader in professional comic book certification, pioneered witnessed signature authentication when it introduced CGC Signature Series in 2001. Since then, CGC has expanded its services for autograph collectors with the launch of JSA Authentic Autograph certification, a service for comics that have already been autographed.

CGC Services for Autograph Collectors

CGC Signature Series

Every year, fans bring their prized collectibles to comic cons and other pop culture conventions around the world. They travel far and wide with just one goal in mind — to have their collectibles signed by artists, writers, creators and celebrities. With CGC Signature Series, collectors can have their comic books, magazines, posters and prints signed by artists and creators in the presence of a CGC representative. The authenticity of the signature is then 100% certain, making the collectible eligible for the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label.

CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph

CGC pioneered witnessed signature authentication when it introduced CGC Signature Series, but it had never offered full authentication and grading for collectibles with unwitnessed autographs — until the acquisition of JSA, the world leader in autograph authentication. The combination of CGC and JSA services is the answer to the countless collectors and dealers who have asked to have their autographed collectibles authenticated and then graded and encapsulated in one seamless solution.

The CGC Signature Series Label

The yellow CGC Signature Series label is given to collectibles that have been signed by someone of significance to the item. These labels will generally be issued only to items signed under the direct observation of a CGC representative. In select instances, CGC may accept signed books directly from the signer or publisher. The signatures are then authenticated by CGC with labels indicating who signed them, when they were signed and, in some cases, where they were signed.

After the collectible is signed in the presence of a CGC authorized witness, it is immediately submitted to CGC for expert grading and encapsulation in the state-of-the-art, CGC holder that bears the prestigious yellow label. Your collectible is then safely returned to you to become a treasured part of your collection.

The CGC x JSA Label

Autographed comics certified by CGC and JSA are encapsulated with the bold CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph black and yellow label, which is harmonious with — yet distinct from — the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label. Collectors who submit autographed comics for either CGC grading or CGC Signature Series will receive the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label rather than receiving the CGC Qualified green label or the CGC Signature Series Qualified green and yellow label — another benefit of CGC x JSA certification.

When buying and selling autographed collectibles, CGC Signature Series and CGC x JSA are the best choice in the hobby!!

CGC Signature Series Private Signings

In-House Private Signings

It’s not always possible for fans to attend a comic con or other event to get their collectibles signed in person. CGC In-House Private Signings provide the answer! With In-House Private Signings, CGC invites individual artists, writers and other creators to its headquarters to sign collectibles at a designated time. While signing collectibles, many creators connect with fans through social media channels, and some may even do shout-outs. CGC In-House Private Signings are not affiliated with comic cons, so even if a convention is canceled, In-House Private Signings are not affected.

Private Signings at Shows

CGC also offers Private Signings at shows. Our representatives coordinate with creators to have collectibles signed, and then the submissions are graded and encapsulated (often with expedited turnaround times). Books can either be submitted at the show where CGC is hosting a Private Signing, or you can mail your submissions to CGC headquarters, and we will bring the collectibles to the show to be signed. Your signed collectibles are then shipped back to you after certification. Our goal is to be the ultimate way for fans to connect with artists and creators at comic cons.

Check out the killer lineup of CGC Private Signing guests along with submission deadlines, and follow CGC on social media to always know who’s signing next!

CGC Private Signing Schedule

For both In-House Private Signings and Private Signings at shows, after the collectibles are signed, CGC grades and encapsulates them — or grades, presses and encapsulates them, if CGC pressing is requested — with the coveted CGC Signature Series label (custom Marvel and Skybound labels are also available upon request).

CGC Signature Series Sketch Covers

Whether your dream cover is an imaginative mash-up or something more traditional, there’s nothing quite like a unique sketch cover — which is why CGC Signature Series loves to offer them during Private Signings. To submit a comic book for a CGC Signature Series Sketch Cover, select the artist who you would like to do a sketch cover when you complete the CGC Submission Form. There are a limited number of spots available for sketch covers, so it is important to get submissions in early.

CGC Signature Series Sketch Covers are treated the same way as the CGC Signatures Series comics: sketches are verified by an authorized CGC witness (or facilitator), graded and then encapsulated with the yellow CGC Signature Series label.