Euro Playing Cards

Ahead of the official launch of the new euro currency on 1 January 2002, a number of souvenirs were produced including these playing cards. The circular format was no doubt thought to be appropriate to match the shape of the coins. Six of the court cards (S + D suits) show the faces of the new banknotes, while the other six (C + S suits) show the backs. Three of the Aces depict a single coin; the Ace of Spades shows the euro symbol and the face of a 5 euro note. On the 2s to 10s, the appropriate numbers of coins replace the central pips: those on the 2s are all different but the other numeral cards have the same designs in each suit. Coins from 10 of the 12 countries which originally adopted the euro (but not Greece or Luxembourg) are included somewhere in the designs. On the back is the euro symbol surrounded by 12 stars. See the box►

Above: Euro Playing Cards printed and published by Carta Mundi, Turnhout, Belgium, 2001. 52 cards + 3 Jokers in tuck box. Size: 75 x 75 mm approx.

In order to become familiar with the new coins, one could practise at home with packs of 40 (equivalent to 100 francs). Conversion tables, often using holograms, were offered free by many businesses. These are now collectors’ items.

Above: Euro conversion tables.

Above: Euro Coins for practising.