Carte di Colombo
Fully illustrated pack designed by Pier Canosa commemorating the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.
This is one of several packs issued around 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America and the part that Christopher Columbus played in that discovery. The style of design is recognisably that of Pier Canosa, the Italian artist born in Vasto in 1940. Each card is fully illustrated, with at least two different elements per card, including one upright and one reversed. Subjects include buildings, historical and mythological figures, ships, etc., all depicted in a range of soft colours (mainly pinks, blues and yellows). Those colours extend to the edge of the numeral cards, whereas the backgrounds are left plain white on the court cards, aces and Jokers. There is a matt finish on the front and a glossy finish on the reverse. Pier Canosa’s signature can be found on one of the extra cards. This was a limited edition, with the plates scheduled for destruction on 12th October 1992.
Above: Carte di Colombo designed by Pier Canosa and printed by Piemme Graphic Typography, Chiavari (GE), Italy, 1992. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 2 extra cards. Size: 65 x 91 mm. Limited edition. Copyright reserved to A.P. CONSULT SERVICE
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
Activity for Carte di Colombo
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Modiano Napoletane Cards
From Trieste with Pride – a 150th Anniversary Edition of the Neapolitan Pattern.
Il Tarocco del Mondo Nuovo
Imaginative Tarot card designs by Amerigo Folchi relating to Columbus and the New World.
22 Artisti Liguri in 22 Arcani
Collaborative set of major arcana devoted to Christopher Columbus and his voyages of discovery.
Carte di Natale
Designed by Pier Canosa as a Christmas pack for the Cortina Art Gallery in Milan.
Alessandro Manzoni Centenary
Issued to mark the centenary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni, one of Italy’s greatest writers.
Naipes Expo ’92
Naipes Expo ’92 souvenir playing cards manufactured by Naipes Comas, 1992.
Christopher Columbus playing cards
“Baraja Cristóbal Colón” commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Christopher Columbus.
Centenario Nascita Benito Mussolini
Playing cards to commemorate the centenary of Benito Mussolini's birth, Italy, c.1983.
Cinquantenario Fondazione dell'Impero
50 anniversario / cinquantenario fondazione dell'Impero, Italy 1936-1986.
Bank of England playing cards
Bank of England playing cards, reflecting prominent characters and events from the Bank’s history.
Soroptimist International Scotland South Region
Celebrating 100 years of Soroptimist International, 1921-2021.
Moscow Poker
“Moscow” - from the Soviet series produced by Sprint, Ivanovo, 2013.
Bicentenario della Rivoluzione Francese
Bicentenary of the French Revolution pack produced by Vannini, Florence, Italy, 1989.
Christopher Columbus 5th Centenary playing cards
Fifth Centenary of the Discovery of America playing cards by published by Heraclio Fournier.
Jeu des Drapeaux c.1816
“Jeu des Drapeaux” commemorating Napoleon’s greatest battles, c.1816.
Wills 200th Anniversary
Double pack commemorating the 200th anniversary of W.D & H.O. Wills Ltd, 1786 - 1986.
Hundertjahrkarte
A new ‘medieval look’ is intended to suggest the power and virtue of the German character.
Ibero-American Deck, 1929
Ibero-American Deck, designed by L. Palao, 1929.
Jany Group
Deck issued to celebrate the Jany Group of Private Investors acquiring a controlling majority of Ver...
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards was founded by Royal Charter in 1628.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
Victoria Celeste
26 April 2026, 18:04SavedSaved this article to vix likes!