CCG purchases JSA, adds autograph and memorabilia authentication to services

Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) is expanding its services with the purchase of longtime autograph and memorabilia authenticator James Spence Authentication (JSA).

The deal will allow CCG to provide collectors and dealers with a seamless solution to have autographed collectibles authenticated, graded and encapsulated by one of the hobby’s top card-grading companies.

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JSA was founded in 2005 by James Spence, Jr., an expert in autograph and memorabilia collecting. In the last two decades, it has certified millions of autographs and built one of the world’s largest autograph databases of nearly one million images, ranging from historic figures like Thomas Jefferson to pop star Taylor Swift and baseball legend Lou Gehrig.

James J. Spence, Jr. and James J. Spence III will continue to run JSA with Mark Pepitone, a JSA co-owner and industry expert, serving as senior advisor to the company. JSA will continue to provide authentication services for autographs, with CCG allowing it to expand its services with grading and encapsulation.

“CCG and JSA are the perfect match, with a shared passion for collectibles along with an unwavering commitment to expertise and integrity,” said Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of the CCG. “I could not be more pleased with the addition of JSA and the Spences to the CCG family, and I think collectors will love the simplicity and scope of our combined services.”

The acquisition allows CCG to offer authentication, grading and encapsulation of autographed collectibles for the first time.

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“This is the ideal next chapter in JSA’s history. CCG’s mission and vision are aligned with our own, and we are excited to see what the company’s extensive experience and resources can do for autograph authentication and collecting,” James J. Spence, Jr. and Mark Pepitone said in a joint statement. “This combination is a true testament to the outstanding work of the entire JSA team, whose efforts have made JSA the world’s most trusted name in autograph authentication.”

JSA and CCG will continue to operate independently for a few weeks while the companies work to integrate their services. For more information on how to submit items, check out CCG’s FAQs.

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