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PSA vs. Beckett vs. JSA: Which Autograph Authentication Company To Use?
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
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Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
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Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
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Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
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Smooth transaction
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The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
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This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
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Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
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Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
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Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
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Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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