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Well I have begun developing the next chapter of my currency themed playing cards. I can't really believe that it has already been three years from the original Federal 52 campaign. I've been developing Legal Tender for a while and many of you will remember two years ago when I even thought and teased launching it. Things didn't come together at that time and I postponed it. Well I have picked it back up again and I wanted to bring you guys along as I develop it.

And before you ask, as I know you are thinking "Wait didn't he just start another thread about a hand engraved deck?" Yes, I did. Intaglio is a project that has been in development and has a way to go. I would get my self in a big creative rut if I was only working on one project at a time.

So far I have a pretty solid concept for the court cards. The direction will be mimicking modern money pretty closely. I'm also experimenting with the indexes and borders a little differently with this deck and making them more integrated into the design. (I'm sure Sprouts will love that )

Here are some initial images to give you an idea of where its headed. I would love to hear your comments.

Here is an example of a court card. (I posted this over a year ago on my instagram so some of you may have already seen this)

Here is an image of the back design. I have only started so there are a ton of elements missing.

Looking good. Whatever happened to the one with Canadian currency? Would be nice to see other currencies aside from US, for your non-American fans and backers.

I still have the official "ok" from the Bank of Canada to do a Canadian currency series. So it's not off the table yet.

Alright, I really just need to open a separate savings account for Kings Wild project, set up partial direct deposit off my paychecks. Actually, Jackson, I can just direct deposit right into your bank account at this point because I know everything you put out is going to continue to set the bar.

You should submit these beauties to the US Treasury as the next currency.

JofDiamonds wrote:You should submit these beauties to the US Treasury as the next currency.

LOL I wish.

The Treasury just announced today that they will be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 with Harriet Tubman, so once less Queen I have to figure out.

Glad to hear this is back on track and hopefully on the way soon. I also hope the Canadian or even other currencies are done in the future. Your Reserve Note deck still remains one of my top favorite decks so glad you're returning to the styles that got you started.

Any thoughts on how, or if, you will account for the future changes and demotion of Andrew Jackson? Having a single female queen would be odd, but including those not even in the plan would be as well. At the same time, adding Tubman before the new bills are printed will also be odd, yet it shouldn't be ignored either, which also would make the deck more relevant years from now.

Here's the original design thread for those curious

JacksonRobinson wrote:LOL I wish.

The Treasury just announced today that they will be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 with Harriet Tubman, so once less Queen I have to figure out.

Apparently Eleanor Roosevelt was in the running for the $10 bill. You also have available to you Martha Washington on the $1 silver certificate (1886).

You might want to draw inspiration from coins, where another small number of women are featured. Sacagawea on the dollar coin, Susan B. Anthony before her, Helen Keller on the back of the Alabama quarter (not sure if that counts).

The queens were a fun challenge during the federal 52 series. Martha will most likely make here way back as she is the only other main portrait on us bills. Lady liberty in one of her many personifications will most likely make a reprise as well. As for Harriet I don't mind using here even if she's not on the bill yet. Might be interesting to see how my rendotion stacks up to there's. Heck I may send it in as a try out. They don't engrave them by hand anymore as they went all digital with this last hideous $100 so maybe I have a shot.

About time you all get a woman on your money. Looks like we too might be getting another one on ours.

The back design looks excellent.

Currently, I'm not a big fan of the court cards on this one, compared to your previous projects. It's kind of this inbetween zone. Lots of unused space. While the artwork is done with precision, it doesn't have the look of a card. It has the look of a head and shoulders stitched together. No disrespect, just not as nice as your previous court cards.

Jackson, personal request... please add a Star Note to this deck too! Pretty please.

TGunitedcardists wrote:The back design looks excellent.

Currently, I'm not a big fan of the court cards on this one, compared to your previous projects. It's kind of this inbetween zone. Lots of unused space. While the artwork is done with precision, it doesn't have the look of a card. It has the look of a head and shoulders stitched together. No disrespect, just not as nice as your previous court cards.

I appreciate the comment. However I think if you take a look at the card again you will see there is very little unused space. The space has just been used differently than the my previous currency decks. Also unused space is can be just as powerful as used space. Many new designers have a fear of un used space and have this need to fill up everything. Also this deck is aimed to replicate modern money and the evolution of bank note art has come a long way when in the early years of US money the only security devices were extremely interact designs that filled up the entire bill making it harder to replicate. Now the "unused" space is filled with complex security devices and multiple depths of imagery. This card not only has Hamilton's portrait it also has a the entire hand of the statue of liberty holding the torch just like the $10 bill. You also have new elements like security constellations (the small little K's in yellow)

I want the design and construction of the art to mimic that "evolution" While incredibly detail designs may look interesting they don't always make for a solid design. This is why over the years most all currencies designs have evolve to be both very functional and also well designed.

As for the seam between the two portraits this is something still up for debate. I just didn't want to revert to my "same old" scroll ribbon" to separate the portraits like a did on most of my engraved style courts. I still will be experimenting with different approaches to make that transition I think.

JacksonRobinson wrote: As for the seam between the two portraits this is something still up for debate. I just didn't want to revert to my "same old" scroll ribbon" to separate the portraits like a did on most of my engraved style courts. I still will be experimenting with different approaches to make that transition I think.

I think this is it. The scroll ribbon isn't the most ideal. However, I think where it falls off with the King of Diamonds is that it's up to the shoulders only and the jacket is fairly plain. It's kind of a blob of fabric in the middle. Maybe if you transitioned with more of the clothing/body and hands, it would look more card-like and offer more opportunities for a "regular card" transition. For example, like your Scarlett Tally Ho's, with the outfit he's currently wearing. Sleaves and hands, the tie etc. My 2 cents.

Regardless on what you decide, thanks for listening and taking feedback.

+100 for the Canadian currency deck!

I can't say how thrilled I am to see this revived! So good to see that you are still working on this and the other currency-related projects as well!!!

One slightly off-topic request: I have been patiently waiting for you to release a full (500 chip) set of those GORGEOUS poker chips you made in the original Fed 52 campaigns!!!

Any chance you will consider adding something like that to this next campaign...?

These look fantastic, Jackson!

It's not a bill/note, but I think the Walking Liberty coin is the most beautiful piece of currency the US has ever made. If you figure out a way to factor that into the deck, I'll squeal like a little schoolgirl.

I agree about the negative space, I feel like the elements are too compartmentalized from one another. Or perhaps just a really light hatched design in the background to create a sense of a unified design? Regardless I trust your design experience and love what I see so far. Can't wait to see more

I agree that you need some kind of "divider" to split the court. Otherwise I look back at your original Fed 52 and see how crowded the courts look vs. this open space. I know the original Fed 52 was based on the traditional courts so they couldn't have this current open space. Just goes to show how you, like our currency, evolve in a good way.

If you were able to do a watermark or holographic seal I think my mind would explode!

That looks fantastic Jackson! Any idea on when they will be released so that we can get our wallets ready?

Thanks!

So excited for this. Jackson's Federal 52 series is still one of my favorite decks that I own and it's cool to see him going back to the drawing board for more currency designs. I'll buy them all!

Same with me, Federal 52 are probably my favorite Jackson Robinson decks.

I have been waiting for this announcement! So glad to see its back on the table! Any idea how many decks in this series... Maybe some more dealer coins and poker chips!? I gotta start saving up! Also I like the use of space on this card... But what would be really awesome would be a hologram or something like that over the space where the torch is... No idea if that's even possible but something along those lines would make this card really "pop" thanks for sharing this with us and no matter how the final product comes out I know I'm gonna love it!


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The sad and also ironic truth is this. Most of the things you guys have talked about holographic printing and some of the bells and whistles that would make the cards even more money like ARE possible just not with USPCC. I've already talked and also planned many of those types of things over with Bill Kalush. Here is a great example we will print he Canadian deck on transparent polymer and use holographic foils. I would surely be burned at the stake if I printed the us money deck in China. It's even more ironic that a majority of EPCC's profits go to help American veterans. I may sound a little bitter but I just want to print the best cards and it runbs me the wrong way that I can't.

Meh, I think it's just a very vocal minority that will have a problem with it, but sadly some will feel so passionate about it and make your life difficult. Very few companies are 100% country x. Parts from multiple countries, multiple owners, sub products from other countries, stock holders in others, etc.

So if artist/producer and printing company us based, but an overseas printer that's considered a problem? Yet if it was a Japanese artist and a Canadian printer that would be fine as long is it has a made in USA label? Ridiculous. It feels a little wrong if it's not, but I think most will understand or not care. USPCC needs to step it up. Do what you want, just be ready for the 'murica protesters. Address the situation directly and explain proceeds go to us artist and epcc us owner, plus veteran support. Given USPCC can't do what it this should mean greater overall benefit than using us printer.

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Hey, I resemble that remark! Well, sort of. i mean I wouldn't burn anyone at the stake over it but all things being equal I personally prefer to go with US made items. Unfortunately, all things are rarely equal, hence why I drive a German automobile (and a Japanese truck that was assembled in California).

But there are some things that are just sacrosanct, and I believe that items reflecting America should be printed in house so to say. That said, I'd have more of an issue if a deck like the Army deck were to have been printed by a foreign company than just a currency themed deck. Not to mention I still think that while other companies may be able to provide more bells and whistles, when you get down to the brass tacks, USPCC produces a better deck of cards.

Then again, with the amount of US Holdings owned by China and other countries, I guess it doesn't really matter.

The thing these days is that - with the exception of automovules - it's hard or next to impossible to tell any more.

You would think La Scarabeo headquarters in Turin Italy would print decks in Italy, but - like many other things - made in China. You might assume that your Toyota Camry is made in Japan, but it's (mostly) Alabama - I think? Hyundai in South Korea? No, Alabama again, and Tennessee?

The only reason we know so much specifics about cars is that the "Made in the USA" movement forced a law to be passed requiring that the source of the parts & assembly is on the window sticker.

Taiwan, Hong Kong - R Ø C. While I agree that it would be cool if they were made in 'Merica, I have no heartburn if not... I should, but I don't.

Two thoughts:

1) I like the way the image on top melds into the image on bottom. I don't think a distinct border between the top and bottom of the face cards is necessary.

2) The "where it's printed" issue is certainly sticky for this particular theme of decks. Are there any other US printers that are trying to step up their game? Any chance that Liberty could rise to the challenge of printing holographic foil? Or Gemaco? (I'm assuming Gemaco is still predominantly American-owned. We all know Liberty is.) While Gemaco is not widely regarded as a printer of custom decks, I know that they *do* print custom decks (I've had some done, years ago, with foil hotstamping on the back), and they also are a major printer of well-regarded casino-grade decks.

It's always interesting to read about the "buy/support local" arguments around the World. It's certainly alive and well in Australia. Ultimately for me, like many others I would imagine, I want the best product at the lowest price. If I were making a deck, I wouldn't be prepared to put a deck to market that wasn't the best I knew it could be, while still remaining commercially viable. Perhaps it comes down to where you perceive yourself, and indeed where others perceive you being, in the market. I've long supported Jacksons decks because of a belief he invariably puts the best product to market than he can produce. People will pay a premium for that, as in the din of mass produced dross found in the playing card market, something which projects pride will always draw the "believers"

You can debate all you want about which playing card company is "better" or "higher quality", and it's been done plenty here already, but the bottom line is that people should and can use whoever the hell they want to print their cards (and it appears to me that for most designers, not all, it's more driven by bottom line profit than anything else). But it just seems to me that it would be bad karma to print a patriotically themed deck featuring U.S. currency with a Chinese (or any other overseas) printer. Sometimes the bling bling just ain't the most important thing......

I always prefer the best deck of cards that lives up to the artist's vision. If that means printed by EPCC/LPCC, that doesn't bother me one bit. I just want stellar cards.