Bicycle Tattoo Golden Edition
Bicycle Tattoo Golden Edition created by Phoenix Playing Cards of Toronto, Canada, 2014.
Although there are several versions of a Bicycle branded Tattoo pack, this one is quite different from all the rest. Printed by the United States Playing Card Company and created via Kickstarter by Phoenix Playing Cards of Toronto, this Bicycle Tattoo Golden edition deck is their very first project. It was published in 5000 copies. See the box►
The cards are elegant and detailed, and the artwork has a luxurious gold finish. However, while the art is inspired by or elaborates on tattoo designs the finished designs bear little resemblance to traditional tattoos. In addition, the pip cards are arranged in a novel way -- all have 10 visible pips in identical locations, with only those depicting the specific card value highlighted in red or black. The pack includes two jokers and an advertising card.
By Peter Burnett
Member since July 27, 2022
I graduated in Russian and East European Studies from Birmingham University in 1969. It was as an undergraduate in Moscow in 1968 that I stumbled upon my first 3 packs of “unusual” playing cards which fired my curiosity and thence my life-long interest. I began researching and collecting cards in the early 1970s, since when I’ve acquired over 3,330 packs of non-standard cards, mainly from North America, UK and Western Europe, and of course from Russia and the former communist countries.
Following my retirement from the Bodleian Library in Dec. 2007 I took up a new role as Head of Library Development at the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) to support library development in low-income countries. This work necessitated regular training visits to many sub-Saharan African countries and also further afield, to Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh – all of which provided rich opportunities to further expand my playing card collection.
Since 2019 I’ve been working part-time in the Bodleian Library where I’ve been cataloguing the bequest of the late Donald Welsh, founder of the English Playing Card Society.
Related Articles
Red Hat Society playing cards
Society that encourages women in their quest to get the most out of life.
Clear Skies
‘Clear Skies’ playing cards paying tribute to the Ukrainian people in the face of war.
Junior Playing Cards
Child-friendly versions of standard English pattern cards designed by Louie Mantia, Jr.
Hesslers Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck
Hesslers Maiden Back Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck, with enhanced visibility and a traditional look. ...
Animal Kingdom
Crafted by Hatch Design and benefitting the World Wildlife Fund, animal heads replace the traditiona...
A Million Dollar Tarot: The Alleyman’s Tarot
The Alleyman’s Tarot successfully raised $1,404,172 on Kickstarter. This unique 133-card deck includ...
Are Playing Cards a Good Investment?
Playing cards can appreciate modestly, with historical annual gains of 2-3%. Rare cards offer higher...
Quên Tarot
A mystical voyage of love and self-discovery created by Duy Khánh Võ.
Commoners playing cards
Created by Ian Cumpstey dedicated to the common land and the countryside.
Liber Ludorum
Liber Ludorum playing cards created by Ian Cumpstey in the insular style, United Kingdom, 2019.
Pike and Clover playing cards
Pike and Clover playing cards created by Ian Cumpstey, Cumbria, UK, 2018.
Inglewood Hunting Deck
Inglewood Hunting Deck created by Ian Cumpstey, United Kingdom, 2023.
Tuxedo playing cards
Stylish ‘Tuxedo’ playing cards with animal faces created by Natalia Silva, USA, 2016.
Alice in Wonderland: we’re all mad here
Alice in Wonderland themed playing cards, UK, 2020.
Batman® playing cards
Characters from Batman: The Animated Series on a pack issued in 1992.
Undressed deck
Undressed deck created by Edi Rudo and Néro Catineau, USA, 2020.