Pictorial Series (1899-1924)

The Pictorial Series began in 1899 just before the United States Playing Card Company moved to a new factory in Norwood, Ohio, opening there in 1901. These back designs used popular artwork from American and European artists. These “Wide Size” (also known as Poker Size) cards were in use until 1924. When whist and later bridge became the card games of choice, the Congress line started printing “Bridge Size” in 1916, and in 1925 the wide size decks became obsolete. Pictured below are every known back design and color/border variation, along with dates and aces used. We strive to be as accurate as possible and will make any necessary changes as they arise.

Thanks to Matt Schacht and Colin Brady for supplying many of the images shown here.

NOTE: Production dates are approximate based on date codes for aces of spades. It’s entirely possible back designs were sold after the last known date listed, as the number of decks produced would likely have sat at the USPCC warehouse until shipped out for sale in stores. Information will be updated as more date codes are discovered.

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