CGC Cards and JSA Launch Autograph Services Worldwide

CGC Cards™ is excited to announce the launch of JSA® autograph authentication and CGC Signature Series for cards internationally, less than two months after the immensely successful roll out of these services in the US. Starting September 10, CGC Cards’ offices in London, Munich and Hong Kong are accepting trading card games (TCGs), sports cards and non-sports cards for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series witnessed signings. With CGC Cards’ full suite of autograph services, collectors and dealers around the globe can now have 100% certainty of the authenticity of their signed cards.

The international launch of CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series for cards is part of CGC’s massive expansion efforts in card and autograph collecting. Earlier in 2024, the Certified Collectibles Group® acquired James Spence Authentication® (JSA), the world’s leading autograph authentication service. While JSA provides expert authentication services for already-autographed collectibles, CGC Signature Series witnesses signings with an unbroken chain of custody from signer through to grading and encapsulation. Together, CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series are the hobby’s most respected and comprehensive autograph services.

"Making expert authentication and grading available to the world's collectors has always been a priority for us," said Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG. "With the launch of CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services internationally, we are delivering once more on expanding the accessibility of professional, trustworthy services for collectibles, this time for autograph collectors."

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

JSA was founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr. 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 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.

The combination of JSA autograph authentication with CGC Cards’ expert grading and state-of-the-art holders is a seamless solution to authenticate and preserve autographed cards.

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 all signatures are witnessed, authenticated and graded by CGC, collectors can trust autographed collectibles with the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label.

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

The CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph and CGC Signature Series special labels

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. Cards submitted for CGC Signature Series will be encapsulated with the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label. Yellow is a color that has long been used by CGC to indicate genuine signatures.

CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series 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 either label will receive CGC Cards Grader Notes identifying pertinent details about the signers, available at CGC Cards Verify Certification on CGCcards.uk, CGCcards.de and CGCcards.hk.

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

Check out the FAQs below for more submission details.

How to submit cards for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph and CGC Signature Series certification

Collectors can now submit cards for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series using the CGC Cards online submission form on CGCcards.uk, CGCcards.de and CGCcards.hk.

For CGC x JSA certification for unwitnessed autographs, just select “JSA Autograph Authentication” as an add-on service after you select CGC grading or CGC Signature Series as your primary service. For CGC Signature Series, simply select “CGC Signature Series” as your submission type. Pricing for both services is based on the grading tier you choose.

• For services and fees for submissions made to the London office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Munich office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Hong Kong office, go here.

Please note that card grading fees are additional to JSA autograph authentication fees, while pricing for CGC Signature Series includes card grading fees. Signer fees for witnessed signings, which vary depending on the signer, are not included in pricing.

Want to get your autographs graded?

There’s no additional cost for grading unwitnessed and witnessed signatures on cards! You can also specify a minimum grade for both the card and the autograph when submitting for CGC x JSA or CGC Signature Series 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.

Please note that cards with two or fewer autographs are eligible for autograph grading. 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%. Continue reading the FAQs below for everything you need to know about submitting cards for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series.

Ready to join CGC Cards or upgrade your account? Select your membership level here. If you have questions about CGC Cards services, please contact customer service.

FAQs

What types of cards can I submit for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series?

You can submit trading card games (TCGs), sports cards and non-sports cards, including jumbo cards, for combined CGC and JSA certification and CGC Signature Series.

What is the difference between CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification and CGC Signature Series?

The CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label is given to autographed collectibles that have an unwitnessed autograph, and the autograph has been authenticated by JSA’s experts. The CGC Signature Series label is applied to collectibles where all signatures were witnessed under the direct observation of a CGC or JSA representative.

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.

Are pack-pulled (manufacturer’s certified) autographs eligible for CGC Signature Series?

Pack-pulled autographs are not eligible for CGC Signature Series unless you also get the pack-pulled autograph authenticated by JSA. Please note that cards with both witnessed and unwitnessed autographs will be encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, assuming the unwitnessed autograph was authenticated by JSA.

Can I submit an already-autographed card to CGC Signature Series?

Yes, already-autographed cards can be submitted for CGC Signature Series. The previous autograph will be authenticated by JSA, and the new autograph will be witnessed by a CGC representative. Then, the card will be seamlessly transferred to CGC Cards for grading and encapsulation with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label to acknowledge the previous signature. Both signer names will be included on the label.

What if I witnessed my card getting autographed but CGC did not?

Only cards witnessed by a CGC or JSA representative are eligible for CGC Signature Series. However, submitter-witnessed autographs are eligible for CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph certification.

How much does JSA autograph authentication cost?

Pricing for JSA autograph authentication for cards is based on the grading tier selected. 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 services and fees for submissions made to the London office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Munich office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Hong Kong office, go here.

How much does CGC Signature Series for cards cost?

Pricing for CGC Signature Series for cards is based on the grading tier selected and does not include signer fees. Fees are per card, regardless of the number of signatures, and include autograph grading.

• For services and fees for submissions made to the London office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Munich office, go here.
• For services and fees for submissions made to the Hong Kong office, go here.

Will my CGC paid member benefits apply to CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services?

CGC Cards Associate and Premium members receive a 10% discount on CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services, and CGC Elite members receive a 20% discount on CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services. For more details and to select a membership tier, go here.

Can I use my CGC membership credit towards CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services?

Yes. The $150 credit that comes with a CGC Cards Premium or Elite membership can be applied toward CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series services. For more details and to select a membership tier, go here.

Can I get my autograph(s) graded?

Yes. There is no additional fee for autograph grading for cards.

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 if it is 5 or above. If the grade is below 5, the autograph will be deemed authentic only.
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 specify a card minimum grade when submitting for CGC x JSA or CGC Signature Series. (The card minimum grade option will be rolled out to regular CGC Cards services in the future.)

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 unwitnessed autograph is determined to be genuine by JSA, your card will receive the 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 or pack-pulled 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 card has both witnessed and pack-pulled autographs — and they are all genuine — your card will receive the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label. Pack-pulled autographs being submitted for CGC Signature Series require JSA authentication.
• 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 Pristine 10 grade, your card will receive a variant of the lux, gold CGC Cards Pristine 10 label.

Note: All cards encapsulated with the CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph or CGC Signature Series labels will receive CGC Grader Notes describing signer details. CGC Grader Notes will soon be available for free by entering a card’s CGC certification number in the Verify Certification tool.

What happens if I submit an autographed card to CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph and CGC Signature Series, but the autograph is not genuine?

If any autograph already on your card 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.

Will CGC offer custom CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series labels for cards?

Yes. We have plans for custom CGC x JSA and CGC Signature Series 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 card 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 and the date of the signing. The CGC Grader Notes on the CGC website 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 submit cards with witnessed autographs for CGC’s CrossOver service?

CGC Cards does not accept witnessed autographs for CGC’s CrossOver service through CGC Signature Series. Only autographs witnessed by a CGC or JSA representative are eligible for CGC Signature Series. However, witnessed autographs may be submitted through CGC’s CrossOver service 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.

What is happening to JSA’s Witness Protection Program (WPP)?

JSA’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) will still apply to collectibles that are not graded by CGC. For witnessed signings in comics and cards, submit to CGC Signature Series.

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.

Can I submit my card for witnessed autograph authentication only?

Cards submitted for witnessed signings must be submitted for CGC Signature Series services. The card with the witnessed autograph will be 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 Signature Series.

Is CGC Cards offering CGC x JSA certification and CGC Signature Series services at its Shanghai office?

CGC Cards is currently offering limited autograph services in mainland China, but we are working on a full launch soon. Look for more details to be announced as we continue to expand our services.