CGC x JSA for Sports Cards: A Match Made in Heaven!

Sports card and autograph collectors have embraced the combined services of CGC Cards™ and James Spence Authentication® (JSA®) since they joined forces during the summer of 2024. Collectors continue to submit some of their most prized sports cards for JSA autograph authentication and CGC Cards grading and encapsulation, all in one seamless submission.

1995 Action Packed 24K Gold Autographs #1A Derek Jeter graded CGC 8, with an autograph graded JSA 9 Click images to enlarge.

JSA was founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr. and today it 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. For example, JSA was able to authenticate the signature on the above prospect card of New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter, which was one of the earliest officially signed cards of Jeter's career.

Whether you acquired an autograph in person or bought an already-autographed card, JSA is the leader in unwitnessed autograph authentication. JSA has certified millions of autographs and, in the process, has built the world’s largest autograph database of more than 1 million images. 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 for authenticating and preserving autographed cards, like the Barry Bonds card below.

1994 Pinnacle The Naturals #2 Barry Bonds graded CGC 8.5, with an autograph graded JSA 10 Click images to enlarge.

While the 1994 Pinnacle The Naturals #2 isn't a rare card and therefore isn't a high-dollar issue, the addition of Bonds' autograph adds significant value to this particular card. After going through JSA's signature analysis, the signature's authenticity was confirmed and a perfect autograph grade of 10 was assigned.

In less than a year since its launch, the combined services of CGC and JSA have become the premier destination for autograph collectors. With more than 7 million cards already certified, CGC Cards now has an even more robust suite of expert autograph authentication services.

Following the highly successful launch of CGC x JSA certification for comics and cards, autograph authentication and grading for magazines, pulps and concert posters was launched in October 2024, providing even more options for signature seekers. Keep an eye out for further announcements as more services become available in the future!

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].