PSA now using red labels for all encapsulated items

After 20 years of using blue labels for items encapsulated through PSA/DNA, PSA’s autograph authentication division, the company will now use red labels across the board for all submissions going forward.

The change went into effect on Jan. 1.

The decision impacts encapsulation submissions of all types and sizes and includes PSA’s recently launched line of oversized “jumbo holders” that accommodates larger-scale items like 8x10 photos and signed letters. The decision was made based on two primary factors: better security and uniformity.

“The red labels have now been integrated into our autograph encapsulation and original photograph services,” said PSA President Steve Sloan. “Uniformity and consistency are significant aspects for collectors, but we also believe that the added security measures that come with the red labels, such as the PSA LightHouse™ logo and the fugitive ink pattern, are critical components of collecting today.”

Another important distinction is that any autographed items currently with the PSA/DNA blue label that are being reholdered to the red label may not have specific ticket or card information reflected on the label. For example, only trading cards submitted through PSA’s dual-service option that are determined to be authentic will include the year and manufacturer on the label.

“It’s important for collectors to recognize this difference,” Sloan said. “If they see an autographed card with the designation ‘trading card’ on the LightHouse label, that means that PSA has only authenticated the autograph. However, if the label specifies year and manufacturer, that means the submission went through our dual authentication service.”

Collectors who possess large collections of previously encapsulated items in PSA/DNA blue labels who are now interested in reholdering to red LightHouse labels can call PSA’s Customer Service department at 800-325-1121 for special pricing information.