JSA (James Spence Authentication)

What is JSA?

JSA (James Spence Authentication) is a third-party autograph authentication company. Its experts examine a signature and, if they judge it genuine, issue a certificate or a letter of authenticity with a number you can check on JSA’s official verification page.

What is a JSA certification?

It is JSA’s written opinion that a signature is genuine, recorded under a certificate number. A basic certificate usually comes with a sticker on the item; a full letter of authenticity (LOA) adds a detailed written opinion and a photo of the item. It is an expert opinion, not a guarantee of value.

How do I verify a JSA certificate?

Enter the certificate number on JSA’s official verification page and compare the record with the signer, item type and details of the piece in front of you. A real number can be copied onto a different item, so the record has to match the object, not just exist.

Is JSA or PSA better?

Neither is better for every item. Compare the current price, turnaround and the documentation buyers expect for your specific signer and item. Many collectors check which certification similar pieces carried when they sold.

James Spence Authentication (JSA) is one of the three most respected autograph authentication companies in the hobby. Founded by the late James Spence Jr., a pioneer in autograph authentication, JSA has been a trusted name since 2005.

JSA is known for its rigorous authentication process and expert team of handwriting analysts. They offer both "Full Letter of Authenticity" (LOA) services, which include a detailed written opinion, and "sticker-only" authentication for a lower fee.

One of JSA's key strengths is their "at show" witnessed authentication program. JSA representatives attend major sports conventions and signing events across the country, providing on-the-spot authentication for items signed in their presence.

JSA-authenticated items are widely accepted across the hobby and command strong premiums on the secondary market. Their certification numbers can be verified through the JSA online database, where each entry includes the item description and authentication details.

For collectors, JSA is an excellent choice for authenticating autographs across all categories — sports, entertainment, historical, and music. Their combination of rigorous standards and accessible pricing makes them a go-to option for both beginners and experienced collectors.

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