Virginia Slims
Tasteful advertising pack promoting Virginia Slims cigarettes.
Virginia Slims cigarettes were introduced in 1968 to appeal to female smokers. They were narrower and longer than normal cigarettes. In this pack there are no images of cigarettes per se but all the court cards depict female figures in historical costume (one model per suit), partially framed by decorative scrollwork in two corners. The same decorative elements appear on the Aces and pip cards. The Jokers have been replaced by “VS” (Virginia Slims) cards, two being moustachioed male jesters and one carrying text. On the back, the phrase “You’ve come a long way, baby” is repeated many times diagonally. See the box►
Above: Virginia Slims cigarettes promotion deck made by USPC Co. for Philip Morris Inc., USA, 1985. 52 cards + 3 “VS” cards in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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