Experience classic American casino tradition with Hoyle PGC "21" Special No. 1050 Playing Cards in Red—a vintage casino-quality deck featuring the legendary Nevada Finish and the timeless PGC (Professional Gambling Cards) design that made Hoyle a staple in casinos and serious card games across America.
Hoyle & PGC Heritage:
Edmund Hoyle, the legendary English writer and lawyer from the 1600s-1700s, became famous as the world's foremost expert on card game rules and strategies—his name became synonymous with card playing itself. The Hoyle brand of playing cards has carried that legacy forward for generations, becoming one of America's most trusted card manufacturers alongside Bicycle.
The PGC (Professional Gambling Cards) line represented Hoyle's entry into the casino and professional gambling market, competing directly with USPCC's casino offerings. These cards were specifically designed for serious play—featuring casino-standard construction, full-bleed backs (pattern extending to all edges to prevent marking), and the proprietary "Nevada Finish" that provided durability and superior handling in high-stakes environments.
The "21" Special designation refers to the game of Blackjack (also called "21"), and the No. 1050 indicates this specific product line within Hoyle's Professional Gambling Cards collection.
Key Features & Specifications:
-
PGC Professional Gambling Cards - Designed specifically for casino use and professional gambling environments, meeting the exacting standards required for serious play
-
"21" Special Blackjack Designation - Named after the casino game of Blackjack (21), indicating these cards were optimized for casino table games
-
No. 1050 Product Line - Part of Hoyle's numbered professional card series
-
Nevada Finish - Features Hoyle's proprietary "Nevada Finish" coating that provided enhanced durability, smooth handling, and consistent performance through extended play sessions
-
Casino-Quality Construction - Built to casino standards with premium cardstock and professional-grade printing
-
Full-Bleed Casino Back Design - The pattern extends completely to all edges with no white border, preventing players from marking cards and maintaining casino integrity standards
-
Standard Poker Size - Traditional poker dimensions (2.5" x 3.5") ensuring compatibility with all standard card games and casino equipment
-
Red Deck - Classic casino red colorway, typically sold alongside blue decks for multi-deck casino games
-
Standard Court Cards - Features recognizable court card illustrations with slightly "chunky" styling characteristic of Hoyle's mid-century design aesthetic
-
Custom Ace of Spades - Displays "Special by Hoyle" and "21" branding, creating a distinctive ace that identifies the deck's casino heritage
-
Vintage Hoyle Branding - Features the iconic Hoyle logo
-
Plastic Coating - Enhanced with plastic coating for extended durability and moisture resistance during casino use
Historical Context:
Hoyle PGC cards were commonly found in smaller casinos throughout Nevada and across the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s. The PGC Diamond Back and "21" Special lines became recognizable sights on casino tables, offering affordable yet professional-quality alternatives to premium casino card brands.
Perfect For:
- Vintage playing card collectors seeking authentic casino-era Hoyle decks
- Blackjack and casino game enthusiasts who appreciate historical gaming equipment
- Card players who value classic American card manufacturing heritage
- Collectors building comprehensive Hoyle brand collections
- Those interested in mid-20th century casino history and gambling culture
- Players seeking vintage casino-quality cards with proven durability
Why Hoyle PGC "21" Special No. 1050 Stands Out:
The PGC "21" Special represents a fascinating chapter in American card manufacturing—when Hoyle aggressively competed for the professional gambling market with purpose-built casino cards. The Nevada Finish, full-bleed backs, and casino-quality construction created cards that could withstand the rigors of continuous casino use while maintaining the handling characteristics serious players demanded. These vintage decks capture the golden age of American casino culture and Hoyle's commitment to professional-grade card manufacturing.
