What shape are your playing cards in?

Listen to a short interview with playing card experts Tom and Judy Dawson, as they casually talk about how to grade your own playing card collection. These two authorities are responsible for finishing Gene Hochman's work of cataloging American playing cards, card makers, details, types, and brands of playing cards from the late 1700s up to the early 1930s. They also run and maintain the internationally acclaimed 52 Plus Joker Organization. Take a moment to listen to a small part of the Tom and Judy Dawson interview recorded in January 2010. Listening time 5:29. click here to download mp3 file if this flash player does not work

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Playing Card Conditions: published with permission from the Hochman Encyclopedia

-As Issued: A complete deck, in mint condition, with all cards, jokers and extra cards contained in the original packaging when first distributed for sale. It might be unopened packaging when first distributed for sale. It might be unopened or carefully opened for examination, but not necessarily unbroken, would be attached.

-Mint: A complete deck showing no signs of use. Normally all cards would be present as would the original box in mint or near mint condition. The inside wrapper would not be there.

-Excellent: A complete deck that has been occasionally used, but still in first class condition. Gold edges would still be intact and you would be proud to use this deck in your game.

-Good: A complete deck showing signs of repeated use, but still usable. There would be no serious creases or bent/broken corners. The deck would not be swollen or misshapen and would fit comfortably into the original box.

-Poor: A deck not good enough to fit into one of the above categories. It likely would have at least one of these serious faults - bent or broken corners, bad creases, heavy soiling, etc.

-With Faults: A deck in one of the good to as issued categories, but with serious faults such as a missing or damaged card or a damaged, incomplete or missing box.

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Whether you're an experienced collector or a newcomer to the world of playing card collecting, you're encouraged to join the 52 plus Joker American Playing Card Collectors Organization.


Membership benefits include: receive quarterly newsletters about collecting playing cards, meet other playing card collectors who share similar passions, attend national conventions, participate in the two main auctions and most importantly gain access to historical research, receive advice & direction from the other members. These alone, are worth joining for.

To find out about becoming part of 52 Plus Joker's organization, are seeking additional information about the Hochman Encyclopedia, or just want to know more about playing card experts Tom and Judy Dawson - please visit their official website by clicking here.