Decks of cards are synonymous with the casino world. Whether it’s playing online blackjack or poker card game, cards are essential for those and other types of table games. And, for many people worldwide, having a deck at home is just as essential as having it furnished! They are indeed one of the simplest and cheapest recreational items one can own. Even if you don’t play at online casinos, a deck of cards is a great way to have a good time, either by yourself or with friends.
Although for many people the cards are nothing special, there is a large community of fans of designer decks whose hobby is collecting rare and unique cards. There is no room for standard designs. These cards feature unique images and patterns that push the limits of this fun and classic pastime to the extreme. These types of cards are so unique that they are not used in casino games or for magic tricks; they are mainly limited editions. Let’s take a look at some of the rarest and most expensive decks out there.
1. Venexiana Gold
Designed by Lotrek, Venexiana Gold cards are a collector’s dream. On each of the 52 cards is a hot-stamped gold leaf foil. It’s a unique and ultra-luxurious deck. Additionally, all Venexiana figures are printed with refined gold metallic ink. Only 212 numbered decks were put up for sale. It is believed that more than €300 was paid for one of them.
2. Zenith
Created by Paul Carpenter, the Zenith deck is a true discovery for collectors and is highly appreciated by them, something that is not surprising, given its stunning design. It is the first deck in the Encarded Signature series, produced by Encarded Playing Card Co, and one of their most exclusive releases, with only 1,000 individually numbered and sealed decks ever released. These cards feature a beautiful design reminiscent of a circular medallion with a black-and-white pattern. The Zenith reinvented the traditional deck and came in an equally attractive box that opens on the side. It’s made from thick matte black cardstock and includes intricately detailed holographic foil.
3. Scarlett Tally Ho
Created by Jackson Robinson of the Kings Wild Project, the Scarlett Tally Ho deck is named after her daughter. These excellent cards have exclusive figures accented with gold metallic details, a spectacular design on the back and a unique box.
Avid collectors love the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance in this deck. There were originally three versions of the Scarlett Tally Ho cards. The limited edition (700 decks were made); the gold edition, with edges covered in gold leaf (200 decks); and the legacy edition, with individually numbered gold leaf decks inside a special box (50 decks). That legacy edition is so rare that a single deck sold for £8,202.
4. Jerry’s Nugget
About 50 years ago, Jerry’s Nugget casino in Las Vegas produced its own deck that was not released or used until recently. The decks ended up sitting in storage for over a decade before finally being put up for sale in a gift shop, priced at £27 a piece. American magician Lee Asher discovered this exclusive deck and fell in love with it. He quickly introduced it to his fellow magicians, and Jerry’s Nugget cards soon became increasingly popular. By the end of the nineties, there were no longer any decks for sale. The fact that they were sold out made collectors want them even more. With this shortage and the growing demand, Jerry’s Nugget cards reached crazy prices.
In 2019, Asher led a team to create a modern version of this deck. But the original remains a coveted possession for many collectors.
5. White Centurions
Theory11, a luxury card design company, released this special edition of their world-famous Bicycle Centurions cards in 2008. The first time the public saw the White Centurions’ design was in American magician Chris Kenner’s heads-up video titled Blueprint Trick. Viewers were wowed by its design, leading theory11 to put just under 1,100 decks up for sale, which sold like magic! However, if you’re lucky, you might be able to find a White Centurions deck on eBay.
