WHY DO PLAYING CARD BOXES HAVE A SEAL?

WHY DO PLAYING CARD BOXES HAVE A SEAL?

Ever wonder why the copyright and manufacturer information is typically printed on the Ace of Spades? During his English reign in the 1600′s, King James the First passed a law requiring the manufacturer to print their logo on the Ace of Spades and this was used to verify that taxes had been collected. 

Later, after the Stamp Act of 1765, boxes of playing cards were also sealed with a “duty wrapper," or small stamp that showed that taxes had been paid.

This stamp eventually became the deck seal that appears on many decks of cards, including most decks produced the the United States Playing Card Company. Today, these seals are largely decorative and many imaginative and interesting seals have been produced.

Some playing card enthusiasts collect the seals used on decks, and look for decks with unusual seals.

Tin City Magic has a large selection of playing card decks, many with unique seals. Check them out today!