King of Clubs: The least frequently seen King among the four at auction
In the Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series, the King is the highest-ranking card in each suit. Among the four Kings, the King of Clubs is the one with the fewest public auction records. It is often sold as part of a complete set, and individual sales are uncommon. Therefore, its private transaction value is often higher than publicly available figures, and its price range fluctuates more significantly. In other words, if you possess a King of Clubs, it is crucial to find a knowledgeable buyer to determine its true value.
King of Clubs Specifications and Positioning
| Item | Characteristics of this Card |
| Card Rank / Suit | King (Club Suit) |
| Distillation Year | Typically 1986 for the series (as per bottle inscription) |
| Cask Type Description | hogshead / refill cask, mostly single cask, cask strength |
| Rarity Level | Extremely Rare |
| Series Status | The King is the highest rank in all four suits. Both individual and full-set transactions command the highest prices, with top exposure at international auctions. |
The Intrinsic Rarity of the Card Series
The Card Series was personally overseen by Ichiro Akuto, who bottled the last batch of original spirits from the Hanyu Distillery before its closure, as single casks. The entire series consists of 54 casks corresponding to 54 playing cards. Released in batches starting in 2005, the series was completed in 2014. Each card has a unique cask number and ABV, meaning there is inherently no possibility of "restocking the same item."
This rarity is reflected in the open market: a complete Card Series was auctioned at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2019 for HK$7,192,000, setting a then-record for Japanese whisky auctions and remaining a frequently cited transaction point in the industry. The King, at the top of the series, is one of the key cards that supports this figure.
Factors Affecting the Resale Value of the King of Clubs
The King of Clubs label features a central image of a King's throne. During appraisal, key areas to examine are the crown's shadow and the club's leaf veins. Counterfeit versions often show blurred printing in the leaf vein area. Beyond authenticity, the condition also determines the valuation. We assess it based on the following criteria:
| Assessment Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Main Throne Visual | Crown shadow, leaf vein lines clear. | Blurred leaf veins, indistinct layers. |
| Fill Level | Maintained at the neck of the bottle. | Dropped below the shoulder. |
| Cork | Healthy structure, no leakage. | Softened, previous leakage. |
| Cask Number & Serial Number | Cask number, ABV, and bottle serial number match. | Fuzzy engraving, mismatched data. |
| Wooden Box & Certificate | Original wooden box, complete certificate. | Missing box or certificate. |
How to Prepare Your Hanyu King of Clubs for Sale
- First, inquire about the approximate price for your Hanyu King of Clubs: Take clear photos of the front and back labels, fill level, capsule, and box/certificate. Send them via WhatsApp to 46135750. We'll first verify the version and then discuss collection arrangements.
- Valuation of Hanyu King of Clubs based on actual condition: The Hanyu King of Clubs is not solely valued by its vintage. Its valuation also depends on the condition of the box/certificate, fill level, capsule, and label. Complete information will result in a price closer to the market value.
- Same-day quotation and transaction: We'll provide a reference price range. If the price is satisfactory, we'll arrange for pickup or an in-store visit. After on-site inspection, payment will be made in cash or via FPS immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Selling Your Hanyu King of Clubs
Q: There are many versions of the Hanyu King of Clubs with the same name. How can I avoid inaccurate estimates when asking for a price?
A: First, take photos of the front and back labels, capsule, fill level, and accessories. Then, add a photo of the bottle's bottom or the certificate. Buyers will first examine the playing card, vintage, cask number, and label condition. Relying solely on the name can lead to a rough estimate.
Q: Given the scarcity of public transactions for the King of Clubs, how is it valued?
A: Precisely because public records are limited, our team compiles complete set transaction records, recent market trends for King cards in the same series, and private transaction benchmarks to determine the price, rather than relying on just one or two public auctions.
Q: Why is the quoted price range for the King of Clubs relatively wide?
A: Rare individual bottles have limited circulation and few comparable transaction points, leading to inherently greater market fluctuations. When providing a quote, we will explain the reasons for the range and provide a clear specific price based on the condition.
Q: How is the security of such high-value single transactions ensured?
A: You can choose to complete the transaction in person at our store. Authentication, confirmation, and settlement are all done on-site. Payment is made instantly in cash or via FPS, with full confidentiality, avoiding the risks of transportation for high-value items.
Getting a price for your Hanyu King of Clubs doesn't have to be complicated. Just take clear photos of the front and back labels, fill level, capsule, and box/certificate. Send them to WhatsApp 46135750, and we'll then discuss the transaction based on the version and condition.
Other Hanyu Card Series Single Cards
The market value of cards other than the King varies. Before selling, it's worth checking their corresponding value:
- Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series 6 of Spades Buyback Price
- Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series ACE OF CLUBS Buyback Price
- Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series King of Diamonds Buyback Price
- Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series Colour Joker Buyback Price
- Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series Queen of Clubs Buyback Price
More Market Information for Hanyu King of Clubs
Related Hanyu King of Clubs Models:Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series 10 of Clubs, Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series 6 of Clubs, Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Card Series 8 of Clubs.
To compare the market value of the entire series, please browse the Hanyu Model List, or refer to the buyback services Description and buyback FAQs.