If you're buying or submitting signed sports memorabilia, you've probably heard of PSA, Beckett, and JSA. These are the three largest and most recognized autograph authentication companies in the United States.

While all three are highly respected, each company has its own strengths depending on what you're trying to authenticate.

In this guide, we'll compare PSA, Beckett, and JSA so you can decide which company is the best fit for your memorabilia.

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The Three Major Authentication Companies

The three leading authentication companies are:

• PSA Authentication (PSA/DNA)
• Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
• James Spence Authentication (JSA)

All three companies offer:

• Witness authentication
• Basic autograph authentication
• Online certificate verification

All are trusted throughout the sports memorabilia industry.

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Beckett Authentication

For live autograph signings, Beckett is probably the company collectors see the most.

Beckett representatives regularly attend private autograph signings where they personally witness athletes signing memorabilia. After the autograph is completed, they immediately apply a witness authentication hologram to the item.

If you've purchased memorabilia from a recent private signing, there's a good chance it carries a Beckett Witnessed hologram.

At Powers Sports Memorabilia, Beckett is the authentication company most commonly present for our witness autograph signings.

Beckett is best known for:

• Witness autograph authentication
• Private autograph signings
• Sports card grading
• Sports card autograph authentication

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JSA Authentication

If you're submitting an autograph after it has already been signed, many collectors choose JSA.

Instead of witnessing the autograph, JSA authenticators compare your signature to known authentic examples and determine whether they believe it is genuine.

JSA has built an excellent reputation for autograph authentication and offers relatively quick turnaround times through its offices in New Jersey and Florida.

Many collectors submit:

• Jerseys
• Helmets
• Baseballs
• Photos
• Bats
• Footballs

to JSA for authentication after they've already been signed.

JSA is best known for:

• Basic autograph authentication
• Letters of Authenticity (LOAs)
• Fast turnaround times
• Authenticating previously signed memorabilia

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PSA Authentication

PSA is best known for sports cards.

While PSA still authenticates autographs, the company performs far fewer witness autograph signings than it did in the past because much of its business is focused on sports card grading.

If you're submitting a signed sports card for authentication and grading, PSA is often the first company collectors consider.

PSA is best known for:

• Sports card grading
• Sports card autograph authentication
• High-value card authentication
• PSA/DNA autograph authentication

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Sports Card Authentication Differences

If you're authenticating a signed sports card, there is one important difference between the companies.

PSA

PSA performs:

• Card grading
• Card authentication
• Autograph authentication

Everything is handled within PSA.

Beckett

Beckett also performs:

• Card grading
• Card authentication
• Autograph authentication

Everything is completed through Beckett.

JSA

JSA works a little differently.

JSA authenticates the autograph, while CGC performs the sports card grading.

Together, they offer both autograph authentication and card grading, but the grading itself is completed by CGC rather than JSA.

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Which Authentication Company Should You Choose?

The answer depends on what you're submitting.

Choose Beckett if:

• Your item is being signed at a live autograph signing.
• You want witness authentication.
• You want one of the most common witness holograms in the hobby.

Choose JSA if:

• Your autograph was already signed.
• You want to add authentication afterward.
• You're submitting jerseys, helmets, baseballs, photos, bats, or other signed memorabilia.

Choose PSA if:

• You're submitting signed sports cards.
• You want sports card grading and autograph authentication together.
• You're building a graded card collection.

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Is One Company Better Than Another?

Not necessarily.

All three companies are highly respected throughout the sports memorabilia industry.

Rather than asking which company is "best," it's usually more helpful to ask which company is best for your specific item.

For most collectors:

• Beckett is a great choice for witness authentication.
• JSA is an excellent choice for authenticating previously signed memorabilia.
• PSA is the industry leader for signed sports card authentication and grading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which authentication company is the most trusted?

PSA, Beckett, and JSA are all widely recognized and trusted throughout the sports memorabilia industry.

Which company performs the most witness autograph signings?

Beckett is one of the most common companies providing witness authentication at private autograph signings.

Which company is best for autograph authentication after an item has already been signed?

Many collectors choose JSA because of its reputation for autograph authentication and its efficient turnaround times.

Is PSA good for signed sports cards?

Yes. PSA is considered one of the leading companies for sports card grading and autograph authentication.

Does JSA grade sports cards?

No. JSA authenticates the autograph, while its partner, CGC, performs the sports card grading.

Which company does Powers Sports Memorabilia typically use?

For most of our private autograph signings, Beckett provides the witness authentication.

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Related Guides

• What Is Sports Memorabilia Authentication?
• What Is Witness Authentication for Autograph Signings?
• What Is a Letter of Authenticity (LOA)?
• How to Verify an Authentication Number Online
• How to Spot Fake Sports Memorabilia
• Why Authentication Matters When Buying Signed Memorabilia