Special edition deck, to use or not to use, that is the question

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Feb 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Jpoor	11 Feb 2005
Just curious to see how many of you would acutally use a special edition deck. I just ordered the Gilded deck in the numbered special edition. I have the mass produced deck too. I tend to be one of the "if you can't use it, why have it" kind of people, but then again, what about future value etc??? Just seeking opinions. Tks Jim

souljourney	11 Feb 2005
Wow...I don't think I'd use the limited edition except for readings for my self for sure. I don't even know if I'd use it for that honestly. I have the mass version of the Gilded, it's the deck I mostly use. I am waiting (impatiently I might add) for Ciro's Tarot of Dreams. Some of collectors here can hopefully give you a better idea of using or not using a Limited Edition and an idea on any future value. SJ

WolfSpirit	11 Feb 2005
I agree with the "If you can't use it, why have it". If it is a deck I really love I don't mind about future value because I don't want to get rid of it anyway. I don't use all the decks I have, but that is because some have grown to be only for study or meditation - it is not a decision I made based on their value. I must say that I never paid a really large amount for a deck (and I probably never will) and I don't shuffle decks much, as I fan all the cards and then pick the cards I want from the fan. And I shuffle more carefully with decks that don't have a very strong card stock. Also, I do use my Greenwood but I don't take it with me for outdoors readings. So I do take extra care of limited or oop decks.

Eco74	11 Feb 2005
Use? Yes. But carefully... I don't think I'd ever take it with me unless I knew it would be a place with no risk for coffee-or-other-stains etc. and unless I knew I'd share the time with the deck with people who would appreciate it. I could never just have a deck and keep it "safe" somewhere and never use it. That defeats the whole purpouse of Tarot in my opinion. But cards are but paper and ink and these get worn and damaged with time, so rare and limited edition decks get treated with extra care whenever used.

OakDragon	11 Feb 2005
I used mine alot until the regular edition came out. Since then, I only use the 79th card. I shuffle one of the "spread" cards in with the regular deck and when it comes up in a reading I pull out my 79th card from the LE to use in its place. That way, I still get to use my favorite card. I do treat it very carefully though... I don't want it to end up looking too "used". :)

Waterdancer	11 Feb 2005
If you are buying decks for their resale value you would probably want to have a pristine copy that is never opened. I am not sure whether the prices of most never opened limited edition decks are really that much higher than those that are gently used. I would probably only use use a special deck at my home, away from food, beverages, small children and animals. I have a couple of old "vintage" decks that I hesistate to use because they are somewhat fragile.

tmgrl2	11 Feb 2005
Use it! I misplaced my mass-produced Gilded, but I always use the LE when I want to use the Gilded. I guess because I am older, the idea of "keeping" something for the future seems foolish when I can use something as beautiful as a LE. Enjoy.... Shuffling the way I like is a bit tricky...so I spread the cards out and put them back to gether....and we cut a lot. terri

Tarot Sparrow	11 Feb 2005
I guess it depends on your definition of "special edition." To me, that would also mean limited edition, in which case I have at least 3 decks that fall into this category. Soprafino, Tarot of Prague and Baroque Bohemian Cats. Technically those are all limited edition decks that will be sold out someday and I have but one copy of each. But, I use them just the same as any other deck. What's the point in having a deck if you can't enjoy it? Besides, it's very likely that all decks will go out of print someday as they become older, and this has been happening already of course, so to me they are all special.

baba-prague	12 Feb 2005
Hi Dead Star. Just to chip in and say that in fact Baroque Bohemian Cats isn't a limited edition deck - it's "mass market" even if our market isn't as "mass" as it would be for a large publisher :-) Tarot of Prague first edition definitely IS limited (we won't ever repeat it, and the second edition is considerably different - even more so than we expected). We still do hope to do a limited edition of the BBCats, but if so, it will be very limited indeed - as we think the main point would be to use golds on the images, and to have very large cards - both things that will put up the cost a lot. Of course, BBCats print-run is probably much smaller than the print-run of one of the larger publishers, but that's a different issue really - in theory we are not limiting any reprints. Whatever - I honestly do prefer seeing decks being used, plus I agree that gentle usage shouldn't really bring down the value of a scarce deck.

Astraea	12 Feb 2005
Waterdancer wrote: If you are buying decks for their resale value you would probably want to have a pristine copy that is never opened. I am not sure whether the prices of most never opened limited edition decks are really that much higher than those that are gently used. This is something I always wonder about. While it's not exactly commonplace to find cards missing or damaged in new decks, it's not rare, either -- if I were to sell someone a sealed, unopened deck or and it proved to be defective, both of us would feel bad. So I'm torn as to whether or not to open duplicate decks that I find on sales racks -- one could sell them as opened but completely unused, or leave them sealed and take a chance that all the cards are there and in good condition. I imagine that the sealed deck would have a higher monetary value, but what a disappointment if the deck wasn't all there!

tarotbear	12 Feb 2005
I have 40 decks; I use 2 or 3 of them at most. So sue me. I collect antique mustache cups; most are 60-100 years old, fragile, and some have cracks or chips in them because 60-100 years ago they were considered 'everyday use' china. I might use one of the plainer ones - but my 100 year old Austrian beauty? NEVER! If I break it, it will be an expensive handful of shards. People collect Avon bottles and never use the contents. They collect them for their shapes or beauty. True - a collectable is only valuable if you decide to sell it. What do you collect? Is it rational? It doesn't have to be. If I owned (as I do) several limited and first editions signed by the artist or deck creator - why would I let some bozo shuffle them and possibly crack or fold them? Are you are of you mind? One man's treasure is another man's trash.

tmgrl2	12 Feb 2005
tarotbear wrote: What do you collect? Is it rational? It doesn't have to be. If I owned (as I do) several limited and first editions signed by the artist or deck creator - why would I let some bozo shuffle them and possibly crack or fold them? Are you are of you mind? One man's treasure is another man's trash. LOL and Right on! I had over 750 Beanie Babies ...my youngest granddaughter and I started a collection when she was 10. Finally, I donated hundreds, but still kept singletons of the ones that I had when I was still buying them. That means at least 300 plus....including every Teanie Beanie ever made and I had to buy a lot of McDonald's Happy Meals to get them! One day, they will go to my family I guess or to a worthy cause, but no one is allowed to "play" with them now... So, I respect people who collect decks (or anything, for that matter) for whatever reason. The joy is often in the "hunt" as well as in the acquisition. Actually, now that I have more decks and Tarot isn't a passing fancy, I wish I hadn't thrown away boxes from decks I have that are just sitting out waiting for me to buy more bags to hold them. At least with the boxes that I am now keeping with decks in them, I can see what deck it is. But I definitely use my SE's and LE's. I feel they are very special for reading. I got 2 Tarot of Prague decks (first editions) intitally ...and gifted my friend with one. We both use the decks. Mine is in velvet bag and I did save the lovely "book cover" that mine came in...with the autograph. I didn't keep the outer coverings, though.... terri

Cerulean	12 Feb 2005
even though they are reasonable and not costly, I use my large cards with the uncoated card stock on a rotation basis -- and they are the mass market edition! I get more mileage out of the small cards, which is hardier and on coated stock. My Dotti Taroccos come in two versions. One is a large Di Vecchi 'booklike' case with Italian book and the other is an Il Meneghello 2,500 edition, smaller cardboard tie with ribbons and matte-finish stock. I use this smaller one-handier and hearty, even if it is a limited edition. Perhaps I should get another smaller one...I have used the small book from the mass market edition quite a bit, shows some wear and love... Maybe I don't have to be as careful as I am about the large cards, as I've other Di Vecchi edition cards on the beautiful fiber-tough and yet delicate stationary and they have lasted more than two or three years without showing wear. In comparison, one out-of-print plastic coated deck from a former Eastern Bloc nation with a small splash of damp became almost a consolidated mass and I had to dry them very carefully... Regards, Cerulean

Tarot Sparrow	12 Feb 2005
baba-prague wrote: Hi Dead Star. Just to chip in and say that in fact Baroque Bohemian Cats isn't a limited edition deck - it's "mass market" even if our market isn't as "mass" as it would be for a large publisher :-) My mistake! :) But I remember (I'm almost positive) that when it first came out and was up on Tarot Garden, it said something like "limited to 3000 copies" just like ToP says "limited to 3500 copies". Maybe that was a mistake or something? :) But I'm sure that's what it said. But anyway, it's beautiful. And the fact remains that I do use special/limited edition decks!

baba-prague	13 Feb 2005
Oh, I didn't see that on tarotgarden - maybe Jeannette or Dan can clarify. I know that they do make it clear that they are selling the Tarot of Prague limited edition - and that was 3000 sets and 500 decks (and we are running a bit low of even the sets now - all the decks went from here long ago). In fact, we've tried to be clear that Baroque Bohemian Cats is not a limited edition deck - if it was we couldn't sell it for such mainstream prices. But maybe this discussion here helps to clarify - so that may be useful! I really hope that we can do a limited version of BBCats, but we are a bit immersed in a new deck that we didn't even plan to do and when we can get back to doing a large BBCats we don't yet know - there's actually more work than you'd think in preparing a limited edition, but ONE DAY I want to see these cards with golden inks!

seapearls	15 Feb 2005
I will not own a deck I do not intend to use at some point.

dolphinprincess	15 Feb 2005
My grandmother was the type of person that would buy beautiful things - and then they would always remain in the box or hanging in the closet - as she awaited "a special occasion". When they moved her into a nursing home, she had unused Coach bags, clothing with tags 15+ years old, makeup still in boxes, etc. I had inherited some of this 'trait' from her - until I started to realize that every day is a "special occasion".... I think what you choose to do with a collectible item - or any new item - depends on what really gives you joy. If using a deck for readings provides joy - use it. If preserving a deck and just handling it to admire the artwork provides joy - then don't use it for readings.... But don't own it in a way that doesn't provide enjoyment. I just think its sad to hide things away due to fear - just bc an item is pricey or new. LOL - I always say that if something is expensive enough that I'd be afraid to use it - then I'm too poor to own it (haha). Just my two cents :)

Emily	15 Feb 2005
I've only got the two limited editon decks in my collection - the first edition Tarot of Prague and the Tarocco Soprafino F Gumppenberg and although I have looked through both decks I haven't used either of them. The Tarocco Soprafini is an unlaminated deck and doesn't look like it would stand up to alot of shuffling and also would get dirty easy so I have the LS Soprafino decks to use if I feel the need. The Tarot of Prague is a beautiful deck but again felt too special to use so I ordered the second version to use and the first version to keep. These are the only decks in my collection that don't get used, I don't usually buy decks just to look at but as I only have these two limited in my collection they are special so no rough handling for them. :)

Little Baron	15 Feb 2005
dolphinprincess wrote: until I started to realize that every day is a "special occasion".... That is probably one of the most useful things I have heard in a while ... I am going to remember that Dolphinprincess ... everyday!!! Just thinking ... a bit of a morbid thought ... If I got knocked down by a truck yesterday and had not used my Limited decks, I would never have had such pleasure with them. Also ... if I did get knocked down (never to return), my family, not knowing the difference between my LE and my old playing cards would never make any money back on them ... they would probably end up in the local charity shop. I say 'use em'. LB

Little Baron	15 Feb 2005
One thing I remember ... Two old friends I have used to collect music by the same artist ... can't remember who ... On a visit to the guy's house, the other friend saw the same records that she had copies of, on the shelf, all still in their shrink wrapped packaging - they had never been opened; there were loads of them. She told him that one specific one from the thirty or forty there was great; explaining that it was different mix of the song than the more usual and well known versions; of course, he had never heard it because it had never been opened. His copy may be worth more than her copy, but that look of wonder on her face, from remembering how good it sounded and the memories she associated with the times of playing it, seemed to be worth far more to me ... LB

cirom	15 Feb 2005
I don't agree with some of these analogies that people are using to suggest that collecting items and then not using them is a waste. While they may be applicable to say unheard music or untasted wine or whatever. But what about visual arts. What's wrong with collecting for the simple pleasure of looking. In that context would a tarot deck be any different to a hanging picture, sculpture or ornament, inate objects that are not "used" in a practical sense, but can still be enjoyed nevertheless. How bare would be the walls of our lives if our possesions were limited only by the criterea of usage.

Little Baron	16 Feb 2005
I would say that a picture on the wall or sculpture on display is something that is being used. However, a painting of value that is packed up in cardboard and housed in the loft is not; if that makes some sense. I think there is nothing wrong with having a deck in your draw and pulling it out occasionally to enjoy it's beauty; to me, that is being used. I have some beautiful and expensive photography 'coffee table' books on my bookshelf that are looked at occasionally and carefully. I suppose that is the same. I just think it a shame if a person is so scared of harming the deck that it never comes out at all. It is probably more of a personal preference for me; with tarot, anyway; I like to jump in and work with the decks. Different strokes for different folks. LB

Shining_Moon	16 Feb 2005
Likewise, I don't see a problem buying/selling tarot investment purposes. Ciro, do you have any of your LE left by the way?

dolphinprincess	16 Feb 2005
LittleBuddha wrote: Just thinking ... a bit of a morbid thought ... If I got knocked down by a truck yesterday and had not used my Limited decks, I would never have had such pleasure with them. Also ... if I did get knocked down (never to return), my family, not knowing the difference between my LE and my old playing cards would never make any money back on them ... they would probably end up in the local charity shop. I say 'use em'. LB LOL - Yes, maybe a little morbid - but EXACTLY my point!!

cirom	16 Feb 2005
LittleBuddha wrote: I would say that a picture on the wall or sculpture on display is something that is being used. However, a painting of value that is packed up in cardboard and housed in the loft is not; if that makes some sense. LB That I agree with.... My point was the basically the same, the pleasure simply looking is usage, and presumably justification in its own right, and applicable to a tarot deck even if it wasn't USED for reading. But some comments suggested that if a deck is'nt used for reading then what was the point in getting it. Thats the opinion I don't agree with. Having said that, keeping a deck in its sealed wrapping unopened seems equally pointless, unless its simply for possible reselling at a later point for a profit, in which case the fact that its a tarot deck is almost beside the point, its simply an investment like any other I guess.

Little Baron	16 Feb 2005
cirom wrote: Having said that, keeping a deck in its sealed wrapping unopened seems equally pointless, unless its simply for possible reselling at a later point for a profit, in which case the fact that its a tarot deck is almost beside the point, its simply an investment like any other I guess. Yes, I understand ... I suppose it is because we have such an interest in the tarot and working with it that it stirs up other passionate responses. I probably have a few things stashed away in the hope that they might be valuable somewhere here; they are not used. I imagine that to an enthusiast of those items, it would also seem pointless. Thanks LB

Emily	16 Feb 2005
I too understand about having something that you think is too special to use - I know that if anything did happen to me then my collection would probably go to the nearest charity shop - and no one but me would know how special my Tarot of Prague and Soprafino decks were. But the whole of my collection is special to me and so if anyone bought them through the charity shop and were pleased with them, then thats OK. I've had my enjoyment with them and would hope others would too. :)

The Special edition deck, to use or not to use, that is the question thread was originally posted on 11 Feb 2005 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.