(Newport Beach, CA) -- The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Autographed Coin Program now includes Iraqi War hero and former prisoner of war, Jessica Lynch.

The 20-year old West Virginia former U.S. Army Private First Class, whose rescue from behind enemy lines on April 1, 2003 made international headlines, will put her signature on as many as 100,000 PCGS encapsulation label inserts.

"A portion of the proceeds from sales of the autographed coins will be donated to the Jessica Lynch Foundation that provides scholarships to the children of military personnel," said Miles Standish, Senior Vice President of PCGS.

"Over the next three years, Ms. Lynch will be autographing PCGS inserts for coins with designs that have symbolic messages of liberty and freedom. These PCGS-certified coins will be sold to the public through strategic alliances with third-party distributors," explained Standish.

The first encapsulated items available with Lynch's signature and accompanying certificate of authenticity will be one-ounce silver eagle bullion coins and 1994 Women Veterans commemorative silver dollars.

Lynch is the latest well-known name to participate in a series of PCGS certified autograph projects involving coins. Previous signers include former Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George Bush.

"PCGS is known for being a quality company offering wonderful limited edition collector coins including the signatures of past presidents and other dignitaries," said Lynch.

"It is an honor for me to be selected to represent all the women who serve in the military as I know my signature will accompany the U.S. Silver Eagle bullion coins and the 1994 Women Veterans U.S. commemorative silver dollars. I share this, and every honor, with the loving memory of my friend and fellow comrade, Lori Piestewa. I look forward to this opportunity to raise money for my foundation and I appreciate this honor."

Collectors Universe (Nasdaq: CLCT), the parent company of PCGS, has provided "signed in the presence of" autograph certification services for many years for sports and entertainment personalities.

For information about the availability of the limited edition autographed coins, contact Standish at PCGS, P.O. Box 9458, Newport Beach, CA 92658. Phone: (800) 447-8848. E-mail: info@pcgs.com.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany each Jessica Lynch ''autographed coin.'' This certificate is for the 1994-dated U.S. commemorative silver dollar honoring women military veterans.