Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) announced on June 18, 2025, the launch of officially licensed DC custom certification labels.
A Notable Development in Card Grading
For trading card collectors and fans of graded slabs, this represents an interesting addition to CGC’s services. The new DC custom labels change the standard approach to card certification. When submitting Superman rookie cards, Batman trading card sets, or Justice League collectibles for grading, collectors can now opt for custom labels featuring the actual DC characters depicted on their cards.
The labels feature characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice League of America – covering many of the most popular DC trading cards in collectors’ portfolios.
The Technical Details Card Collectors Need to Know
Here’s what makes this announcement particularly exciting for trading card enthusiasts:
Availability: The custom labels work with both CGC Universal (blue) and CGC Signature Series (yellow) submissions. This means whether you’re grading raw cards or getting signatures authenticated, you can add the DC flair.
Pricing: At $8 per card, this is a reasonable premium that could enhance both the aesthetic appeal and potential value of graded cards.
Eligibility: Cards must feature the DC character depicted on the chosen custom label. Your 1966 Batman card can receive a Batman label, but not a Superman one.
Submission Process: CGC has streamlined the process. When starting a new submission, you select your grading tier, search for your DC collectible, check the custom label box, and then browse through the available DC label options.
Following a Growing Trend
Custom labels aren’t entirely new to the grading world. Several newer and more niche grading companies have offered custom label options for various collectibles, allowing collectors to personalize their certified items. What makes this announcement noteworthy is seeing a major player like CGC embrace this trend with an official license from a major entertainment property.
This move raises questions about whether other large grading companies will follow suit with different franchises. Will PSA or Beckett pursue similar partnerships with Marvel, Star Wars, or other popular properties? What if we could get Pokémon ones? The potential success of CGC’s DC labels could influence the direction of the entire grading industry.
Practical Considerations
The trading card market has become increasingly competitive, with collectors seeking ways to differentiate their collections. These custom labels serve several purposes:
Investment Perspective: Custom labels may become a factor in determining secondary market values. A CGC 9.8 Superman card with a standard label could potentially trade differently than one with an official Superman custom label.
Display Value: For collectors who showcase their graded cards, these labels change the visual presentation. Instead of standard CGC labels, display cases can now feature character-specific designs.
Authenticity: The officially licensed nature is important. These are sanctioned by DC and applied by an established grading company, not aftermarket modifications.
Strategic Considerations for Collectors
The “limited time” nature of this offer creates an interesting dynamic. Collectors need to decide whether to:
- Submit their best DC cards now to secure these labels
- Wait to see what additional characters might be added to the program
- Focus on their most valuable pieces first, given the $8 per card cost
For high-value cards, the decision seems straightforward. An $8 investment on a card worth hundreds or thousands of dollars is negligible if it enhances the card’s appeal and potential value. For those who have their valuable cards slabbed already, the decision is even harder.
The Broader Impact on Card Collecting
This announcement signals that grading companies are recognizing the importance of personalization and aesthetic appeal in the modern collecting landscape. CGC’s move into custom labels for licensed properties could revolutionize how we think about card grading services.
Looking Ahead
CGC has indicated that additional DC label options are planned, suggesting this initial release is just the beginning. Collectors can expect to see more characters added to the program.
For trading card collectors, this represents a shift toward more visually distinctive graded cards. The combination of CGC’s grading standards and DC’s character roster creates an interesting option that may influence collecting behavior. Whether other major grading companies will pursue similar licensed partnerships remains to be seen, but CGC’s move into this space is worth watching as it could signal broader changes in how grading services differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
