Cardsitry Decks -- Which Ones are Worth Buying?

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Which Decks Are Really Worth Buying as a New Collector?


Whether you are new to the world of playing cards or you're a seasoned collector, Cardistry is a category of decks that are bound to catch your attention. The beautiful artwork and designs are aesthetically pleasing and, most of all, they look great on display. However, as I've continued to explore new Cardistry decks to add to my own personal collection, I've seen a lot of decks that I would never give a second look until I realized that they are HUGE in the card collecting world. Not only that, but when I do a quick search to see how much a sealed deck costs, I am astounded by the price.

After doing a quick Google search, my most obvious assumption is correct: They're only of limited quantity or completely sold out. Limited edition and rare cards will give you great street cred in our community, and they might also make other collectors a little jealous. Furthermore, if you intend on selling some, you might make some good money off of them in a few years as the quantity dwindles away. But what about new collectors who want to expand upon their Cardistry collection who may be on a budget?

Now, I totally understand that some of these decks are those that serious collectors are on the hunt to buy, and the brand name is everything. I'm not here to diss the collectors who spend that kind of money on them.... but for those who are just getting their feet wet, spending all that money for just one deck may not be the most responsible choice.

In this post, I would like to pin point some decks that are just as (or even more) unique and eye-catching at an affordable price. Let us begin:


Memento Mori by USPCC - $11.55:


 Memento-Mori-Playing-Cards-Deck-by-Murphys-Magic-and-Chris-RamsayMemento-Mori-Playing-Cards-Deck-by-Murphys-Magic-and-Chris-Ramsay
Link on Playing Card Decks 

Link on eBay


The Memento Mori by USPCC deck has a great abstract design with a minimalist look on the box. I love the thoughtful work on the card itself, as it's both enchanting and captivating. The deck comes at a reasonable price of $22.99 for two decks on PlayingCardDecks.com, but you can find them at an even cheaper price on eBay at $11.55 for one deck... brand new, if I may add. This deck, in particular, is very popular within all of the playing card collecting communities I follow on Reddit and Facebook, so if you decide to snag a pair, make sure to post a photo with two boxes next to one another.

(P.S. I listed both PlayingCardDecks.com and eBay's listings as decks may be out of stock on one or the other at any given time)

Wonder by USPCC - $4.99:


PlayingCardDecks.com-Wonder Playing Cards USPCCPlayingCardDecks.com-Wonder Playing Cards USPCC

Link on Playing Card Decks


Another beautiful deck that will look great in your collection is the Wonder deck by USPCC. The kaleidoscope design is intricate yet simple. The design is mesmerizing and they'll look awfully cool if you bring this deck to your next get together with friends to play card games. You want to know what the best part is? This deck is only $4.99 on PlayingCardDecks.com... that's right, $4.99. No need to spend $50 plus shipping and handling to get your hands on some Cardistry.

Art of Cardistry by USPCC (Red) -- $14.07 & (Blue) -- $10.92:




Link on eBay (Red)

Link on eBay (Blue)

What better way to add to your Cardistry collection than to grab a deck that has it in the name? The Art of Cardistry by USPCC is another great find with a sophisticated geometric design on both the box and the cards. This red deck ($14.07) isn't the only color out there too... you can find these decks for a relatively cheap price in many different colors, such as icy blue ($10.92), and other designs and colors on eBay.


Binary by USPCC (Custom and Limited Edition) -- $9.99 to $11.99:






Link on Playing Card Decks 

Link on eBay


Are you ready to add to your limited edition collection? Look no further then. Binary by USPCC appeals to our computer nerd crowd and just about anyone who is looking for bright beautiful colors to add to their display. The Binary deck has a really unique graphic design with vibrant colors all at a price that you can afford -- $9.99 on PlayingCardDecks.com and $11.99 on eBay. It's important to note that this deck is limited edition, so quantities will be limited on both sites if you don't act fast.

Pearl Sunset by HCPC -- $17.00:


Link on eBay

The Peal Sunset playing cards are one of my absolute favorite decks when it comes to Cardistry. This expressive design is truly one of a kind in the world of playing cards as it showcases its beauty on both the front and the back of the box. The design stays consistent on the cards themselves, as well, so you can show off this exquisite deck to your friends and family the next time you guys settle down for game night. Now, this deck isn't quite as cheap as the others ($17.00 on eBay), but I truly think it is worth every penny, all while being a fan favorite.


The Harmony Collection by USPCC -- $14.95 to $20 and up:



The-Harmony-Collection-Playing-Cards-Land-by-Art-of-PlayThe-Harmony-Collection-Playing-Cards-Air-by-Art-of-Play


Link on eBay (Air)

Link on eBay (Land)

Link on eBay (Space)

Link on eBay (Sea)

If you're looking for some decks that have a more urban feel, the Harmony Collection by USPCC has a great blend of elaborate and colorful designs. I love how each deck has its own theme and pop-culture references to spice up any collection. These decks run from $14.95 to a little over $20 each on eBay, but if you're not set on buying them sealed, you can find them even cheaper.


Monarchs by USPCC -- $9.99:


PlayingCardDecks.com-Monarch Playing Cards 4 Deck Set USPCC
Link on Playing Card Decks (4 set):

Do you want to feel like royalty when you open up a new deck? Me too. That's why I added Monarch playing cards by USPCC to my collection. These decks are incredibly easy to find, especially on eBay for only $9.99 per deck. I added the link to PlayingCardDecks.com since you can buy the set of 4 for $38.99. These decks are also another fan favorite in the collectors' community, as these decks are an international best seller. The colors are vibrant and the design is just simply elegant.



Aurelian White by Cartamundi -- $9.99:


 PlayingCardDecks.com-Aurelian White Playing Cards CartamundiPlayingCardDecks.com-Aurelian White Playing Cards Cartamundi


Link on Playing Card Decks 

As we transition from the colorful, abstract decks to more elegant designs, here's a deck inspired by history... the Aurelian White Playing Cards by Cartamundi. The gold and white designs are reminiscent of Medieval times, yet the design remains exquisite and luxurious. Although this deck looks extravagant, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find the price is not... that is $9.99 on PlayingCardDecks.com.



Conclusion...

As we come to a close, I wanted to draw your attention to a few other honorable mentions for cheap, aesthetically pleasing brands that you can explore on either eBay or PlayingCardDecks.com:
  • Bicycle *
  • Hoyle 
  • Theory 11 *
  • King Slayer
  • Sin City 
  • Omni
  • Sirocco

Those marked with an asterisk (*) are probably the cheapest finds with hundreds of designs to choose from, and you can find them almost anywhere -- Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Nobles, etc.

I hope this post gives some insight to new collectors into the wonderful world of Cardistry, and I will be back to give my take on some of the more "exclusive" and "limited edition" decks that are most popular in the playing card collectors' community.



I'm just a regular college student with a slight addiction to collecting as many playing cards as I possibly can. I am particularly drawn to cards with beautiful artwork and designs. I got my start collecting playing cards when I began picking up decks at gift shops when traveling. Six years later, now I find myself heavily invested in collecting and the community. I study Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies and a certificate in Russian and Eastern European Studies. I love doing research, especially on topics that I'm passionate about, so that's how I came to creating and writing for this blog.

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