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How to Sell Antique Playing Cards

No one really knows who invented playing cards, but it is thought that they arrived in Europe along Eastern trading routes in the 13th century. Spanish sailors then brought them to the New World. Because packs used to be thrown away once they were damaged or incomplete, pre-19th century playing cards are very rare and can command thousands of dollars. However, this is a specialist collecting area, so you would be advised to either market your cards online or take them to a specialist auction.

Instructions

- 1
  Telephone your local auction houses and ask if it holds any suitable specialist auctions. Most hold themed auctions on a regular basis, or have themed sections of a general auction. Look for auctions of "Toys and Games" or "Paper and Ephemera."
- 2
  Ask the auctioneer if he has sold antique playing cards before and, if so, what prices they achieved. Show him your cards and ask him to tell you about them. If his answers are evasive, move on swiftly to another auction house.
- 3
  Find specialist auctions by joining a playing cards collectors' club, such as the 52 Plus Joker Club, which holds its own regular auctions.
- 4
  Auction your cards online through a site such as eBay. On eBay, go to "Collectibles," then the "Paper and Ephemera" section. Remember to tick the appropriate subcategory for "Modern," "Vintage" or "Antique." Write a clear, detailed title, and put as much information as possible in the Item Specifics menu to help your cards connect with collectors' keyword searches. See resources for tips on dating your cards.
- 5
  Sell each pack or incomplete pack (even if it only consists of two or three cards) in a separate lot, including any remnants of the original case. If all you have is one solitary card that you found pressed inside a book, it will still be worth selling as long as it is old and unusual. Never break up a complete pack, as it will massively devalue it.

Collecting Vintage Toys