Hey Don, or anyone else that might know, did the Bee decks see any change in quality in the transition phase? I've handled a Kentucky and Ohio version and couldn't notice any difference.

This may be off topic but recently I saw Dallas Buyers Club and the scene where the two main characters bond for the first time involves a game of cards using what I think is a deck of Blue Marlboro Texans!

Does anyone else get a real sense of pride when they are able to pick out these meaningless details?

The single color backs seem to be the rare ones. I had a new set of them in the tin and I sold them on ebay for $75. I recently saw another couple of them sell for similar prices, $50-75.

If you would like to buy the "rare" version, what I'd do is to periodically check ebay and in addition to typing "bicycle santa backs" into the search bar, you can also try the more general "bicycle holiday collection." Sometimes sellers do not know what they have and use the general label, which prevents others from finding the listing meaning you can buy it cheap!

For those who are familiar with US postal service, and based on the info i've received, I'm guessing Priority mail international is the best service to provide. Slightly more expensive, but comes with tracking and some insurance. I'm guessing since playing cards weigh like a few ounces, the prices should not be prohibitively high.

Hello.

I've been a collector of things a long time and realized over time that my other favorite activities involve a certain feel and touch (basketball, guitar). So card collecting became a hobby. Most of my collection, though not very large (only been collecting a year), has been opened and at least demoed.

I love the simple pleasure of a nice, even, somewhat stiff dribble or a near perfect fan.  That's why I would say some of my favorite decks are Tally Hos. The fan backs in particular are beautiful enough to consistently catch your eye though cheap, sturdy and simple enough to use consistently without having to worry about wear and tear the way you would other expensive 7-10 dollar decks.

Its hard to narrow down my other favorite decks, so instead I'll do a surprisingly good/bad deck I've recently handled.

Surprisingly good - 90's - early 00's Budweiser advertising decks. I don't know if these decks share the same stock and finish of other smooth finish decks of the time period, but i have three different Bud light/Budweiser USPCC Ohio made decks and they handle really great. The stock is thin but sturdy and the smooth finish glides really well, making for great fans (especially since the back designs are colorful and borderless).

Surprisingly bad - "Carlton is lowest" Aviator Poker USPCC Ohio made cards. The edges are rough and after a few simple card flourishes the cards and deck began to warp and bend pretty badly. I've never handled a worse USA made deck.