Since the start of the New Year, PSA is now employing a new labeling process for any authenticated, encapsulated submissions. Here’s the official scoop.
After 20 years of using blue labels for any items encapsulated through PSA/DNA, PSA’s autograph authentication division, the company is now using red labels across the board for all submissions going forward. The change went into effect on January 1, 2019. The decision impacts encapsulation submissions of all types and sizes and includes PSA’s recently launched line of oversized “jumbo holders” that accommodates larger-scale items like 8×10 photos and signed letters. The decision was made based on two primary factors: better security and uniformity.
“The red labels have now been integrated into our autograph encapsulation and original photograph services,” said PSA President Steve Sloan. “Uniformity and consistency are significant aspects for collectors, but we also believe that the added security measures that come with the red labels, such as the PSA LightHouse™ logo and the fugitive ink pattern, are critical components of collecting today.”
Another important distinction is that any autographed items currently with the PSA/DNA blue label that are being reholdered to the red label may not have specific ticket or card information reflected on the label. For example, only trading cards submitted through PSA’s dual-service option that are determined to be authentic will include the year and manufacturer on the label.
“It’s important for collectors to recognize this difference,” Sloan emphasized. “If they see an autographed card with the designation ‘trading card’ on the LightHouse label, that means that PSA has only authenticated the autograph. However, if the label specifies year and manufacturer, that means the submission went through our dual authentication service.”
Collectors who possess large collections of previously encapsulated items in PSA/DNA blue labels who are now interested in reholdering to red LightHouse labels are encouraged to call PSA’s Customer Service department at (800) 325-1121 for special pricing information.
To learn more about the security features of PSA’s red label, visit www.PSAcard.com/security. By the way, did you know that since 1991 PSA’s grading and authenticating officials have examined and certified over 32 million collectibles with a combined value of over $1 billion? That’s what you call experience, folks.
As a collector I am actually glad to see this change being made. It creates uniform standards for recognition. Of course, this will require some of us to regrade items and have them sent in the mail etc. That said, a PSA rival (which I won’t bother to name) recently changed its grading system and labels to something that simply looks far too modern for great vintage cards and items.
We’re glad to hear it, Jon. Onward and upward, as they say! For the record, it’s actually not requiring you to regrade your items at all. That option is there if you choose to use it, but will not impact your standing on the PSA Set Registry or necessarily the collectibility of your items. And if you do choose to reholder and your collection is large enough, you can call PSA’s Customer Service Department at 800-325-1121 for special pricing.
What does this mean for customers with blue label?
Nothing at all, Jeff. All it means is that any follow-up submissions (submitted after Jan. 1, 2019) will be graded and/or authenticated and then encapsulated using the red LightHouse labels. Your blue labels are still noteworthy and valid as nothing changes on the PSA Set Registry either. All the same rules still apply. It’s simply up to the customer whether they choose to reholder their items to the red label option. Going forward, this will demonstrate consistency as well as better secutiry features across the board.
Do jerseys have a PSA sticker on them or is it stitched on?