Panama Souvenir Playing Cards
Several editions of Panama Souvenir Playing Cards were issued by the USPCC between 1908 - 1926. The design of the cards varied between editions, and different 'fact' and map cards were also included.
Several editions of Panama Souvenir Playing Cards were issued by the USPCC between 1908 - 1926. Many specimens have survived in near perfect condition owing to the fact that they were manufactured to a high grade and sold in sturdy cardboard slipcases, and difficult to use to play with as they do not have the normal pips and court figures. The design of the cards varies between editions, and different fact and map cards were also included. These souvenir packs provide a fascinating photographic record of their times and show how the locales and customs have changed.
Early editions of Panama Souvenir Playing Cards depict views of the canal being dug out and built by labourers from different countries or life in Panama under United States rule, inside oval frames. The actual inauguration deck was issued at completion of construction of the canal, in 1915. Later editions show U.S. Navy warships passing through the canal, such as the USS Maryland, USS Colorado, USS Pensylvania, USS California, etc., inside rectangular frames.
First edition,
There were further editions in 1910, 1915 and 1923►
Last edition,
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.
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