Which printing of the Aquarian Tarot?

[KiMo]

So I fairly recently bought myself a copy of the Aquarian Tarot, the latest version published by US Games that is currently widely available to buy.

 

It's certainly usable but me being my picky self, I'm disappointed with some of the printing quality. For example the Temperance card seems 'off colour' and washed out, and the detail of the face is barely visible. There are a number of other cards that are like this as well...

 

My question is, is it worth me investing in a vintage black box copy of the deck? Is the printing quality of the older versions any better? 

 

Edited to add, if anyone might know, of the original printings of the deck (I believe there were a number over the course of the 70's and 80's) are there any that are known to be particularly good in terms of the quality of the imagery?

Edited November 21, 2022 by KiMo

[DanielJUK]

I really wanted a 70's version of the deck, an antique of the period as I was not alive then and like a lot of 70's chic aesthetic

The deck has browns and oranges and a faded washed out look anyway, part of the period.

 

I bought a black box version from ebay as I wanted something from the period. Mine was published in 1970.

 

Is Temperance any better in the original?.....

 

 

 

 

I bought mine on ebay about 4 years ago for the sum of £5! There were loads selling for under £10, didn't seem rare or hard to get at all 🙂

[DanielJUK]

I had a look for vintage versions of this deck on ebay and the min price was like £100 😩. When I bought mine it was deeply unfashionable but 70's stuff has made a bit of a comeback!

I would keep a watch on ebay if you want an early version of the deck, you never know you might pick up a bargain or in a second hand book shop! I suspect my deck is from a house clearing, it was well worn but the seller had no idea about tarot! 🙂

[KiMo]

Thank you @DanielJUK! Looking at your Temperance card, the colours are much more vibrant and the detailing more defined. This is what mine looks like (the camera on my phone has compensated a little but I think you can see the difference still)

 

Edited November 21, 2022 by KiMo

[KiMo]

1 hour ago, DanielJUK said:

The deck has browns and oranges and a faded washed out look anyway, part of the period.

 
I just love the muted jewel and autumn tones ❤️
 

13 minutes ago, DanielJUK said:

I had a look for vintage versions of this deck on ebay and the min price was like £100 😩.

…and given what we’ve both spotted on eBay, I think everyone else is loving them too 😂

I’ll definitely keep my eyes open, looking at the difference here I think I will try and get myself a vintage version! 
 

Thanks for your help 😊

[KiMo]

It seems particularly bad in the Queen of Rods as well… 

 

The details of her face are barely there.