CGC x JSA for Cards: Combining Autograph Authentication and Card Grading in One Stop!

Earlier this summer, CGC Cards™ joined forces with James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) to offer combined services for trading card games (TCGs), sports cards and non-sports cards. Collectors are now able to submit signed cards for JSA autograph authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation in one seamless submission. The card collecting community has already embraced the new service options, with many exciting cards submitted at recent shows and passing through the grading room.

Fire TCGs

Click images to enlarge.

Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other TCG collections have become extremely popular and valuable in recent years. Some fans want to add to their collections by obtaining signatures from artists, writers or creators of their favorite cards. That's where CGC Cards and JSA can help. Whether a collector received an autographed card in-person or from a secondhand source, CGC x JSA can be entrusted to authenticate a genuine autograph and grade and encapsulate the card in one smooth certification process.

For example, CGC Cards and JSA experts were able to authenticate the signature of voice actress Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum and his mother Delia in the Pokémon anime series during its first eight seasons. Taylor inked her signature on a 2023 Pokémon Charizard V, adding even more value to the collectible. In addition, famed illustrator Christopher Rush signed the most expensive Magic: The Gathering card, which he created: the Black Lotus. It's a rare and coveted addition to any serious Magic: The Gathering card collection, albeit with a hefty price tag.

Heavy hitters in sports

Click images to enlarge.

Since the dawn of the card collecting hobby, sports fans have also attempted to track down their favorite players' autographs. Whether at the ballpark before a game, at a card show or signing event, athletes' signatures continue to be sought-after additions to collectibles.

JSA President, Founder and Owner 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. 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.

Many more have followed, with this signed and inscribed Stephen Curry rookie card being another great example of the industry-leading services of CGC Cards and JSA. Curry not only signed one of the most sought-after cards of his already iconic NBA career, but he also inscribed his "Baby Faced Assassin" nickname to the card, an ode to his unassuming, youthful looks and killer instincts on the court.

Hero highlights

Click images to enlarge.

Some pop culture collectors who love comic books also collect Marvel trading cards or other superhero collectibles. In the 1990s, Marvel released several popular sets of cards that featured art from some of the most popular illustrators of the day. Other modern Marvel cards commemorate the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which includes feature films, TV shows and animated shows.

Stemming from the Thor and Avengers films and his character's own self-titled TV series, actor Tom Hiddleston's Loki character has become a fan favorite in recent years. An already-rare card numbered to only 23 made, Hiddleston's signature and "Loki" inscription were recently authenticated and certified by CGC x JSA.

In addition, actress Famke Janssen, who played the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men film series, added her autograph to a classic 1992 Marvel Masterpieces card, bringing the famous character from the comics and live-action movies together in one card that is now certified authentic.

Click images to enlarge.

CGC x JSA services authenticate the signatures of famous celebrities and even national heroes like American astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The second person to walk on the moon after mission commander Neil Armstrong, Aldrin signed a commemorative card issued in the early 1990s that CGC Cards x JSA experts were able to certify as authentic.

Plus, you never know what celebrities from your favorite movies will pop up at shows and conventions to sign autographs and meet fans. Actor Ke Huy Quan, better known as Short Round from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, lent his signature to his character's card from the 1984 Topps set that released in unison with the movie. Four decades later, Ke Huy Quan has seen his acting career revived, winning a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2023. Yet to many fans and collectors, he will always be remembered best as Short Round, which is forever captured on this CGC x JSA authenticated collectible.

This is just the beginning for CGC Cards and JSA, and autograph collectors are already enjoying the hobby's most robust suite of services for signatures. With more than 6 million cards already certified, CGC Cards looks to a bright future augmented by JSA's expert autograph authentication services. Following the highly successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics, and now cards, next up is combined autograph authentication and grading for magazines, pulps and concert posters. Keep an eye out for announcements as more services become available soon!

Want to get your autographs graded?

When cards are submitted for CGC x JSA certification, there is no additional cost of autograph grading! 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.

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.

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 [email protected].