Navarra, XVII Century

Facsimile playing cards reproduced from proof sheets taken from XVII century woodblocks preserved in the Fournier Playing Card Museum, Álava, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Produced by Erregeak, 1988, in a limited edition of 400 copies. The Ace of Coins has a twin-headed imperial eagle and the arms of Navarre, although no actual manufacturer or location is named, apart from I.O. on the three of batons. Several archaic features found on early Spanish decks include the King of Coins wielding a battle axe and the cavalier of coins in three-quarters rear position. However, in some respects the figures are more stiff and less playful than, for example, Phelippe Ayet from a century earlier. The colour scheme has been taken from other packs of the same era.

Above: facsimile of 17th century Spanish-suited playing cards which would originally have been made in or for the region of Navarre in Northern Spain. Limited edition of 400 copies, produced by Erregeak, Sormen S.A., Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain, 1988. The Sota of Cups has a lion insignia on the breast of his tunic which also appears on the Four of Coins. The Five of Coins features a single bust in the central coin, instead of two facing busts as seen in earlier examples which depicted the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella.