The first edition of the Hochman Encyclopedia of American Plaiying Cards listed US8 as the earliest Bicycle ace of spades. Since then, the ace of spades pictured below has been recognized as the first issued, and was given the designation US8a. Neither of the two earliest Bicycle Aces showed the number “808” on the cards, although the number was used in their promotional materials and appeared on the flap and bottom of the box. The Joker depicted a man riding a high-wheel bicycle with “Best Bower” written at the top and no corner indices.

Some US8a decks were issued with gilded edges. Gilded decks were issued in a special “EXTRA” box with printing in gold ink and an 808x designation. Almost every brand of gilded playing cards released by the Russell and Morgan Printing Company or USPCC included the “X” suffix. Below are two different examples of the Gilt Edges box. Note that the second one with the peacock blue background is extremely rare. (images coming soon)

Back Designs Issued in this Style:

 1. Acorn

16. Bird

37. Lotus

57. Old Fan

63. Rider

80. Wheel No. 1

82. Leaf

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