Modiano Napoletane Cards

Naples still predominantly uses their historic, regional Neapolitan playing cards. Consequently, there are numerous manufacturers and exporters of this pattern. This specific deck, however, is produced by the original producer, Modiano Industrie Carte da Gioco S.p.A., based in San Dorligo della Valle, Trieste. They have manufactured this rejuvenated design of the traditional pattern, featuring more refined linework and updated colors. This exact version is cataloged as product number N° 97/38.

The cards are mostly used for the traditional Italian card game Scopa, where the ultimate goal is to collect the most coin cards, known as Denari. Alongside the coins, the deck includes the other traditional Italian suits of Coppe (Cups), Spade (Swords), and Bastoni (Clubs). The court cards consist of the traditional Fante (Knave), Cavallo (Knight), and Re (King).

Several cards feature unique design highlights that distinguish this edition. The Ace of Coins displays the deck's serial number printed in blue, and reads "Trieste Modiano" in the bottom half of the central ring. On the Four of Cups, the modern brand logo, a jumping deer, is displayed alongside the trademark text "Marca di Fabbrica". This is a newer addition and cannot be seen in older versions of the deck. The Four of Coins serves as the signature card of the deck, displaying the coat of arms of the city of Trieste flanked by Italian flags, while spelling out the company name "Modiano Trieste" within the banner. For the card backs, Modiano utilized their signature 3D checkered pattern.

What makes this deck so special is that it was produced in 2018 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Modiano, as stated on the tuck box on shiny gold background detailing the years 1868–2018. The corner of the box displays a "100% Made in Italy" seal.

Napoletane pattern playing cards by Modiano Industrie Carte da Gioco S.p.A., 2018.

Author’s Note:

My best friend from Italy brought this deck back for me as a gift. He thought of me the moment he saw this special anniversary edition, and it holds a very special place in my heart, as it was the first real card deck that started my entire collection.