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Services
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JSA Letter of Authenticity (LOA)
Highly sought after by collectors, dealers and hobbyists alike, our LOA contains a digital color image of the item and live signature of autograph expert James Spence, which is witnessed by a licensed notary public. Additional data may include quantity of signatures, manufacturer, make &/or model of the item. It accompanies any item that passes our authentication process. A certification label is placed on the item or letter (customer preference) with the corresponding number appearing on the LOA. It is accepted by any major auction house / dealer in the country and is viewed as THE letter to have when either displaying your prized possession or offering it online. To maximize the value and interest of your signed collectible, one should have a James Spence Authentication LOA.
Other Possible Results
Letter of Rejection (LOO)
The autograph has not met the requirements as defined by our experts and it is their expressed consensus opinion that the autograph is at best of questionable authenticity. There are specific inconsistencies or irregularities evident in the signature that obliges our experts to reach this conclusion. A rejection letter is returned with a detailed explanation of their findings.
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Clubhouse Letter (CH)
On occasions vintage autographed memorabilia has been actually signed by clubhouse personnel (i.e. batboys, secretaries, attendants, family members). A special letter will be written to identify the difference between these non-malicious (ghost-signed) examples and the actual autographs.
Inconclusive Letter (INC)
In rare cases a clear conclusion as to the autograph's authenticity is unable to be determined. In such circumstances, after exhaustive review it is not possible for the authenticators to reach a consensus with any level of confidence; therefore no opinion can be rendered. If your submitted item falls into this category, a credit voucher is issued in the full amount of the fee, which can be used towards a future submission.
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The Basic Cert Program
Popular among dealers and collectors alike, the Basic Cert employs the same valued authentication process to verify lesser valued autographed items (JSA discretionary value of under $200.00). Included with the Basic Cert program is a 3" x 5" James Spence Authentication registration card printed with a unique certification number corresponding to the alpha-numeric tamper evident label. Of course, similar to the Letter of Authenticity, each certification number is uploaded into our exclusive database for 24-hour customer verification access. All Basic Cert cards are fully transferable without resubmission. Submission fees begin at only $20, but do not exceed $30. An upgrade option is available to convert your Basic Cert to an LOA for a fee of only $15 per item. Dealers or collectors with large inventories/collections should inquire about our discounted rate and/or house calls by e-mailing us at info@SpenceLOA.com.
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JSA/BGS Autograph Encapsultation Service

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and James Spence Authentication (JSA) are pleased to offer customers an autograph authentication/card grading service. Thanks to an exclusive alliance between BGS, the industry leading grading company based in Dallas, and JSA, the internationally recognized authentication experts based in New Jersey and Florida, customers may now submit autographed card orders directly to JSA, which will then be encapsulated by BGS, with the option available to add card and autograph grades.
This combination of services provides hobbyists with the highest levels of expertise in both the grading and autograph authentication industries. By offering the services of the two companies under one banner, we are able to provide the best customer service on the highest quality products. It is anticipated that in the near future, this relationship will expand with both companies acting as reciprocal submission centers.
Please note that autographed card/baseball orders for the JSA/BGS service must use the JSA/BGS submission form, may not be combined with standard BGS/BVG orders, and must be sent directly to a JSA office.
For submission forms and rules, please Click Here. For JSA/BGS FAQs, Click Here.
Click Here to see JSA/BGS Autograph Grading Standards.
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Our Stamp of Approval (SOA)
For low-end autographs, you can't beat the James Spence Authentication Stamp of Approval. An unnumbered, logo-trademarked sticker is adhered to your flat single-signed collectible (dimension requirements - 8” x 10” or smaller) after examination. There is no additional paperwork or website registration, just our solid assurance that your autographed items are 100% legitimate. This service costs just $4. The minimum submission is 25 pieces and the values of the qualified products are up to the discretion of the authenticator ($20 or less). Dealer inquiries are welcome. An upgrade service is available and the primary fee will be credited.
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The Witnessed Protection Program (WPP) Promoters and dealers alike love this program because it allows one of our representatives to “witness” the actual signing of an item by the athlete or celebrity therefore removing any doubt that the items they sell are authentic. The JSA representative will affix a numbered sticker to the autographed piece which when accompanied by the matching 3” x 5” numbered certification card is proof positive that it's the REAL DEAL.
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The Ultimate Letter of Authenticity
Never before offered to the industry is the long awaited Ultimate Letter of Authenticity for the serious and elite memorabilia collectors. A full, in-depth analysis of your vintage signed collectible compiled by the experts of James Spence Authentication. This exclusive option is reserved for the industry's rarest and most valuable artifacts. The Ultimate Letter is compiled by using multiple full color images displaying virtually every angle of your Holy Grail. An articulate description of the various characteristics and historical background including era of manufacturing, signing habits, biography, item lineage, appraisal value, and pertinent significance of your cherished ephemera will be incorporated in your multi-page Ultimate Letter of Authenticity. Advanced collectors will enjoy the meticulous attention to detail and passionate life's work poured into this explanatory document protected by an attractive folder.
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James Spence will include an article regarding the most prominent signer of the item to reveal a personal account insight. Extensive research will be conducted by our experts in order to generate such a thorough treatise. However, in the unfortunate event that your item should be deemed non-authenticate you will receive a Letter of Opinion based on the Premium Letter fee. Pricing is commensurate depending on a blend of perceived value and rarity. Pricing begins at $500 (inquire for further details at info@SpenceLOA.com ).
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Additional Services
On-Site Authentication (See Events/Appearances)
On-site authentication is available at major trade shows/hobby shops & hotels throughout the nation and the examination fees reflect the listings on our fees page. Turnaround time is approximately a few hours once your submission is received at our booth. This time may vary depending on the influx of submissions, but your item will be returned before the show's end. We appreciate early in day submissions to insure same day service. Letters of Authenticity can be expected two to three weeks once the paperwork is received in the office. Labels and cards for the Stamp of Approval and Basic Cert Programs are typically issued the same day your item is submitted.
House Call Program
This private authentication service includes:
- Up to a full eight-hour day of autograph authentication at your home, office, warehouse, memorabilia shop, or at our New Jersey / Florida facility.
- 35 Letters of Authenticity (LOA) and/or Letters of Regret (LOR).
- Items and their certification numbers are registered on the James Spence Authentication website for public verification.
- James Spence Authentication Letters of Authenticity (LOA's) are guaranteed to be accepted by all major auction houses or your authentication fee is reimbursed.
- Unlimited verbal authentications (not binding without a James Spence Authentication LOA).
"And when I die...", A Personal Statement of Wishes and Desires
Already included in dozens of last wills and testaments, James Spence recognizes the need for a professional counseling. This has become apparent as our hobby appreciates, matures and evolves. James Spence, a longtime industry leader as a collector, former dealer, and now trusted authenticator, is offering his services through
And when I die...
This is an uncomplicated statement of intent that can be prominently placed in the forefront of your collection. We are not in the business to buy and sell therefore removing any conflict of interest. Rather we confide, discuss options and speak honestly a
bout the given circumstances regardless of the size of the collection. Simply sign the form and send a copy to the offices of James Spence Authentication, LLC. Your best interest will be protected by a proven company that cares.
Appraisal Letter
Predominantly used for insurance and estate purposes, an appraisal letter for a single item can be generated for a fee of $50, which states the approximate market value of your item in its current condition. For rates on entire collections or inventories, please contact a JSA representative for a quote: 973-898-1300 or info@SpenceLOA.com.
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