Tag Archives: collectible grading authority

Collectible Grading Authority Gets New Owners

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Collectible Grading Authority New Ownership

Collectible Grading Authority has announced that it has new ownership. Their goal as stated in the press release is to honor the company’s legacy and restore “full confidence within the collecting community.”

Collectible Grading Authority has seen a lot of issues and accusations over the years. One seller was caught swapping books that had been graded, there’s a perceived inconsistency in grading, over-grading, accusations some companies get preferential treatment and higher grades, and so much more.

The new ownership includes:

  • Andrew Aiello, founder of Inc. 5000 digital agency Skyrush Marketing
  • Tom Derby of Collectible Investment Brokerage (CIB), a trusted figure in the collectibles industry
  • Ben Davis, a successful investor and dedicated collector

There are additional seasoned investors not highlighted in the press release.

You can read the full release below:

Duluth, GA, 7-1-25 – Collectible Grading Authority (CGA), one of the most respected names in grading collectible toys, action figures, video games and memorabilia, is proud to announce its new, stable ownership committed to honoring the company’s legacy and restoring full confidence within the collecting community.

CGA is the parent company of Action Figure Authority (AFA) and Video Game Authority (VGA), its dedicated divisions for grading action figures and video games. These divisions are trusted by collectors worldwide for their accuracy, consistency, and preservation of collectible value.

The new ownership group includes a team of experienced investors and passionate supporters of the hobby, including Andrew Aiello, founder of Inc. 5000 digital agency Skyrush Marketing, Tom Derby of Collectible Investment Brokerage (CIB), a trusted figure in the collectibles industry, Ben Davis, a successful investor and dedicated collector, along with additional seasoned investors who bring strong business acumen and long-term commitment to CGA’s success. Together, this group brings a powerful blend of strategic leadership, industry insight, and deep respect for CGA’s long-standing role in the hobby.

CGA will continue operating in Georgia, preserving its knowledgeable leadership team and supporting its dedicated staff. The group is committed to strengthening operations, improving service, and gradually expanding offerings, with trust, integrity, and consistency as top priorities.

Key commitments include:

  • Preserving CGA’s expert, consistent grading standards and leadership team
  • Supporting and carefully growing the staff in its Georgia-based facility
  • Re-engaging the collector community with renewed transparency and responsiveness
  • Rolling out new services and improvements over time, with announcements to follow

“We understand the concern collectors have felt during the recent transition,” said Andrew Aiello. “Our goal is to bring stability and innovation to CGA. We are proud to carry this legacy forward while continuing to serve collectors with the care and consistency they deserve.”

Collectors can continue to submit their prized items with confidence, knowing that the CGA name, along with its AFA and VGA divisions, remains synonymous with accuracy, professionalism, and integrity. Additional updates will be shared in the coming weeks.

About CGA:
Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) is a leading provider of authentication and grading services for collectible toys, action figures, and video games. Through its Action Figure Authority (AFA) and Video Game Authority (VGA) divisions, CGA serves collectors around the world with trusted grading standards and a commitment to protecting collectible value. Learn more at CGAGrading.com

Bad Idea gets Stabby with their latest CGC Slabby

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Bad Idea has unveiled a must-see-to-believe version of Cul-De-Sac, that defies logic, reason, and preservation best practices. Introducing the Cul-De-Sac #1 Impaled Edition—a CGC-graded, ultra-limited comic book impaled with a handcrafted wooden stake.

Yes, you read that right. Actual wooden stakes. Actual comic books. How else would you kill a vampire?

In a follow-up to the industry-shattering, infamous invisible comic book, publishing anarchists BAD IDEA have done the unthinkable again—this time submitting unholy, undead comic books for certification. And CGC? They had the guts to grade them.

The monster idea spawned from some hard-hitting, essential questions: If a human can become a vampire, does that mean an animal could, too? Like, what if a dog or a cat was bit, would it become a vampire? And what about inanimate objects? Can a chair become a vampire? Can a comic book!?! If a comic book becomes a vampire, how do you kill it?! I guess you’d have to slab it and then stab a stake through the slab. 

And that’s how the CGC-graded Cul-De-Sac #1 Impaled Edition came to life… or undeath.

This blood-soaked collectible masterpiece turned fine art installation took the two companies seven months and required solving a very serious engineering challenge: how to drive a stake through a CGC holder without cracking the case or shattering it into a million pieces. 

The result? A limited run of 36 certifiably-cursed and stake-pierced comic books, each a one-of-a-kind art piece that sits upright when leaned against the stake and featuring: 

  • An ultra-rare edition of CUL-DE-SAC #1  
  • A handcrafted wooden vampire stake perfectly stabbed through the slab
  • A splash of Hollywood special-effects wizard-crafted gore 
  • Two tiny vampire bite marks that are evident in every copy 
  • CGC certification and grading intact (somehow)

Behind the madness: a three-person team of engineers, a 30-year veteran woodworker, and a Hollywood special effects artist came together to meticulously create each one. What they’ve created is more than a collectible—it’s a statement.

Timed to arrive with Cul-De-Sac #1 on August 6th, the much-anticipated series marks the long-awaited return to comic books of New York Times bestselling writer and master of the macabre, Mike Carey, who is combining his powers with groundbreaking fine art illustrator Jonathan Wayshak to deliver a nightmarish new vision for the horror genre. 

These monstrosities are available now on a first come, first served basis. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. Because let’s be honest—no one’s crazy enough to do this again.

To secure one before they are all gone simply:

  • Have your local comic book store confirm an order of 500 copies or more of CUL-DE-SAC #1 (lunar code: 0625BD465) with BAD IDEA (siena@badideacorp.com) before Final Order Cutoff, Monday June 30th.
  • The first 36 stores to pledge will secure one (1) exclusive Cul-De-Sac #1 Impaled Edition.
  • All pledges must be authenticated by Bad Idea.
Cul-De-Sac #1 Impaled Edition

Skyrush Marketing Inc. objects to the sale of Diamond’s CGA

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Collectible Grading Authority logo

A hearing regarding the sale of Diamond Comic Distributors and related companies is set for Monday April 7, and objections over the deal(s) are coming in. Skyrush Marketing Inc. has submitted an objection over the sale of Collectible Grading Authority (CGA).

Collectible Grading Authority is one of the numerous companies that focus on grading collectibles for collectors focusing on action figures, collectible dolls, die-cast toys, and video games.

Skyrush Marketing Inc.’s objection is over Alliance Entertainment being awarded the winning bid even though Skyrush bid higher.

According to the filing, Skyrush was declared the highest bidder with a bid of $1.65 million. Even with that winning bid, CGA was grouped into Alliance Entertainment’s winning bid.

Skyrush further claims the process did not give them a fair opportunity to compete and the asset value of CGA was not disclosed in one of the lots.

Skyrush is asking the court to consider if the sale of CFA as part of Lot D (Alliance’s winning bid) was conducted in a “manner consistent with fair auction procedures.”

You can read the full objection below:

Video Game Authority Grades Bestselling Games in a Recent Auction

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Everyone knows that video games are big, big business. But did you know that graded video games are also big business? A large auction of video games just wrapped up at Heritage Auctions, with a sizable portion of them graded by the Video Game Authority (a division of the Collectible Grading Authority). Here’s a look at some of the auction highlights.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS – VGA 100 GEM MT Uncirculated, 2011 

It’s not often that you get a grade of 100 on anything, so when you’ve got an uncirculated copy of an iconic game like Legend of Zelda, with an iconic logo and cover, it’s going to go for top dollar. Sold for: $16,800.00

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS - VGA 100 GEM MT Uncirculated, 2011

Golden Sun for Game Boy Advance – VGA 95 Mint Sealed, Nintendo 2001

A lesser-known game franchise, this was the first of three Golden Sun installments, only for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Perfect for proving your gamer cred. Sold for: $5,520.00

Golden Sun for Game Boy Advance - VGA 95 Mint Sealed, Nintendo 2001

Ninja Five-O for Game Boy Advance – VGA 85+ NM+ Sealed, Konami, 2003

Not one that turns up in people’s collections a lot, but how can you pass up a game about a ninja… policeman? Who rescues hostages and defeats bad guys? The name alone sells it. Sold For: $2,400.00

Ninja Five-O for Game Boy Advance - VGA 85+ NM+ Sealed, Konami, 2003

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch – VGA 95+ Mint Sealed [Poké Ball Plus Bundle], 2018

Sure, Pokémon are popular, that’s why this game, with a big picture of Pikachu and a pack-in Poké Ball, went for big bucks. Sold For:  $2,280.00

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch - VGA 95+ Mint Sealed [Poké Ball Plus Bundle], 2018

Resident Evil for GameCube – VGA 90+ NM+/MT Sealed, Capcom, 2002 

Even if it’s a later port on a different system, a 20-year-old copy of the original Resident Evil is a treasure worth protecting, and worth owning, even if it costs you a pretty penny. Sold for $2,040.00

Resident Evil for GameCube - VGA 90+ NM+/MT Sealed, Capcom, 2002 

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U – VGA 90 NM+/MT Uncirculated [Controller & Adapter Bundle], 2014

Super Smash Bros. box art is always great, but it’s even better on an oversized box, which is what this game-and-controller bundle comes in. Sold For:  $960.00

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U - VGA 90 NM+/MT Uncirculated [Controller & Adapter Bundle], 2014  

NYCC 2022: Collectible Grading Authority Returns

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Collectible Grading Authority

For years, the Collectible Grading Authority has set the standard for graded items, providing expert, unbiased grading of everything from action figures to diecast cars to video games to VHS tapes. They have even brought this expertise to various fan conventions, offering drop-off service for items purchased at those shows. Now, they are back in the Northeast for the first time in three years – at New York Comic-Con!

From October 6 through October 9, after a long absence, the CGA will attend New York Comic-Con at the Javits Center in New York City. At booth 3162, they will be accepting submissions for their unparalleled grading services, offering a 10% discount for on-site submissions. They will also sell their custom sized slide-bottom acrylic cases at special show prices, for anyone looking to protect their newly-purchased collectibles on the spot.

Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) is the parent company of the well-known and established grading company, Action Figure Authority (AFA), as well as the Video Game Authority (VGA), Collectible Doll Authority (CDA), and Die-Cast Authority (DCA). CGA was founded in the late 2000s, in order to provide toy collectors throughout the world with added peace of mind when making purchases sight unseen. Before AFA, toy collectors, dealers and investors had no universal standard by which to judge an item’s condition. AFA has worked diligently for years to develop the standard they use to accurately convey the condition of original and un-tampered-with collectibles, thereby creating a safer collecting environment and helping to ensure that everyone’s investments are protected for years to come. They have graded over 400,000 items from action figures, first-shots and prototypes, dolls, die-cast, video games, consoles, to most recently, VHS tapes. All acrylic cases for graded items and available to purchase on their site are manufactured in-house.