3-Deck Set Grimaud “Le Jeu des Papes” Playing Cards, Holy Year (Jubilee), 1983

Collectibles : Playing Cards France : Grimaud "Jeu Des Papes"

 

Sealed 3-deck set of cards made by Grimaud in 1983, a Holy Year (Jubilee) proclaimed by Pope John Paul II to mark 1950 years since Christ’s death and resurrection in the year 33. The cards were made to commemorate that Holy Year and on the occasion of a visit from Pope John Paul II at Lourdes on August 14, 1983.

I have only these sealed decks, and though made only 24 years ago, the cards are rare. I can find no images on the Internet. One of the insert cards states that the cards depict the 264 Popes from the official list of the Pontifical Year Book, based on medallions housed at St. Paul’s Basilica. Fournier reports that there are 52 cards in each deck, plus 2 Jokers, that the Queens bear the images of four saints, and that the Aces depict the Vatican. The backs show the Papal coat of arms. The cards are wide, measuring 90mm x 63mm.

The sealed decks come in the original box, which is “as new.”

Reference: Fournier, Playing Cards II, France 622.

Thanks for visiting.

Item ID: T0000372