CGC, the world leader in pop culture collectibles 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 collectibles that have already been autographed. Together, CGC and JSA provide autograph collectors with the most extensive services for signed collectibles in the hobby.
See the shows and events where we're offering witnessed signing opportunities and autograph authentication. If you're building an autograph collection and/or buying and selling autographed collectibles, CGC Signature Series and CGC x JSA are the best choice in the hobby!
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, celebrities and athletes. With CGC Signature Series, collectors can have their comics, cards, 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 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.
Founded in 2005, JSA is recognized as the world's most esteemed autograph authentication service for all types of collectible memorabilia, with a particularly renowned reputation in sports collecting. In the last two decades, JSA has certified millions of autographs and, in the process, has built an autograph database of nearly 1 million images. JSA uses this extraordinary database alongside deep expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to authenticate autographs on all types of memorabilia.
It’s not always possible for fans to attend a comic con or other event to get their collectibles signed in person. CGC Signature Series Private Signings provide the answer! With Private Signings, we work with artists, writers and other talent to sign collectibles at a designated place and time. While autographing collectibles, many signers connect with fans through social media, and some may even do shout-outs. CGC Signature Series Private Signings are not affiliated with comic cons or shows, so even if a convention is cancelled, Private Signings are not affected.
CGC and JSA also offer on-site signings at shows, where our reps coordinate with talent to have collectibles signed, and then the submissions are certified. Collectibles can either be submitted at a show where CGC and JSA are hosting a signing or have witnesses present, and for some signings, you can mail your submission, and we will bring the collectibles to the show to be signed. For collectibles that are also graded and encapsulated, your signed collectibles are sent to CGC headquarters after the show and shipped back to you to add to your collection.
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.