A. Dougherty’s Triplicate Recreation

Published June 08, 2022 • Updated August 02, 2023

A recreated of the original 1876, No. 18, Triplicate deck by A. Dougherty by Michael Scott in 2014.

Above: Detail of the tuck foil stamp seal, which reads: "1878 - A. Dougherty Triplicate - 2014. Restoration. New York. See the seal on the box.

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Andrew Dougherty's Triplicate Recreation by cards Michael Scott and brought to life after raising USD$35,337 through a successful Kickstarter campaign in Febuary 2014.

Scott has created over 20 playing card decks through Kickstarter, many of which have been successful, including the Triangle Playing Cards and the 8-Bit Mafia deck.

Above: Original 1876 patent signed by A. Dougherty

"Triplicates" were patented on October 11th, 1876, and were one of Andrew Dougherty numerious inventions and innovations. The Triplicate was an type of corner index designed to solve the problem where cardplayers wanted to see the value of the card while holding them in a fan; in the end this concept didn't take off but it paved the way to the pack we know today.

Scott says the project took over six months to complete and sincle "A. Dougherty®" is a registered trademark of The United Stated Playing Card Company, Scott explains that he needed to have the tuck box, back design and the ace of spades first approved by USPCC.

Another interesting fact is the first deck of triplicate cards came with an additional Best Bower card (another Dougherty innovation), which was later evolved to become the joker. Click here to see the box.

Above: Additional info card which reads: "In 1876 Andrew Dougherty was awarded a U.S. Patent for his triplicate cards. The triplicate was a miniature card placed in the top left and bottom right corners. It was a revolution in the way cards could be held and viewed. This restoration of the original No. 18 Triplicate deck was done to pay tribute to its beauty and historical value. Restoration artwork by Michael Scott of Home Run Games."

Above: Comparison of original pack and restoration pack. Original scans courtesy of Rod Starling.

Above: Spread showing the King of Hearts (also known as the Suicide King), the back, the Best Bower (which later became the joker), and an extra card with A. Dougherty's logo.

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By Adam Wintle

Thailand • Member since March 15, 1997

Adam has been involved in developing the site as well as reviewing new decks and conducting research. He is particularly interested in innovation, Kickstarter and East Asian cards. He is a member of the IPCS, 52 Plus Joker, and webmaster of the EPCS.