Hanyu Yuzuru Playing Cards Collection 6 of Clubs
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
Why is the 6 of Clubs the last piece of the puzzle for complete set collectors?
The 6 of Clubs is a low-numbered card, typically having low exposure at auctions. However, it is one of the crucial last pieces for complete set collectors. Precisely because of this stable demand for complete sets, its private transaction range is actually higher than that of similarly numbered Hearts or Diamonds. For sellers holding this card, low public auction exposure does not mean low value – the true buying power often comes from the rigid demand of complete set buyers.
The Story Behind Hanyu and the 400 Casks of Original Spirit
The Hanyu distillery, located in Saitama Prefecture, officially ceased operations in 2000. Ichiro Akuto inherited 400 casks of original spirit left by his father, which were then bottled as single casks between 2005 and 2014. The entire collection was named the Ichiro's Malt Card Series, themed after playing cards, comprising 54 cards (52 regular cards plus 2 jokers). These original spirits are Japanese Single Malt Whiskies, with each cask corresponding to a unique card. Once the spirit in a cask is sold out, it cannot be replicated, which is the root of the series' scarcity.
6 of Clubs Specification and Positioning
| Item | Characteristics of this card |
| Card Rank | 6 (Clubs suit) |
| Distillation Year | Commonly 1990/1991 (subject to bottle inscription) |
| Cask Type Description | Mainly refill hogshead (mostly single cask, cask strength) |
| Scarcity Level | Low to moderate |
| Series Positioning | Low-numbered cards rarely appear independently, but due to strong demand for complete sets, private transaction prices are often higher than public market prices. |
Market Depth of the Card Series
The complete Card Series was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2019 for HK$7,192,000, setting a new auction record for Japanese whisky at the time, and remains the most frequently cited transaction reference point for this series. In addition to complete sets, individual cards continue to circulate in the secondary market, making it one of the few Japanese single malt collectibles with relatively high market transparency.
Main Factors Affecting the Buyback Price of the 6 of Clubs
| Assessment Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Fill Level (Liquid Level) | At the ideal position in the bottle neck, no signs of decrease. | Lowered liquid level, suspected leakage. |
| Cork / Seal | Healthy cork or screw cap, perfectly sealed. | Cracked cork, previously opened and resealed. |
| Cask Number Font | "6 of Clubs" serifs are clear, font consistent with genuine product. | Cask number font deviation (common counterfeit flaw). |
| Label Printing | "Single Cask" printing below the label has distinct layers. | Blurred printing, flat layers. |
| Original Wooden Box and Certificate | Original wooden box and certificate complete, matching bottle number. | Missing box, missing certificate, mismatched numbers. |
Counterfeits of low-numbered cards most often show flaws in the cask number font, so clear serifs and the layered printing of "Single Cask" are key authentication points. During the item-by-item assessment, any missing item will only result in a grade adjustment, not outright rejection.
Selling Process
- Photo Appraisal: Send clear photos of the bottle via WhatsApp to 46135750 (recommended five angles: front, back, neck, bottom, outer box). Our team will provide a quote based on recent transaction data.
- Detail Verification: Key comparison of the cask number font and the "Single Cask" printing layers, confirming version and accessories.
- On-site or In-store: After scheduling an appointment, our appraiser will inspect the item on-site and settle payment in cash or via FPS immediately. Service covers Hong Kong, Kowloon, and New Territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The 6 of Clubs is rarely seen at auctions. Does that mean it's not valuable?
Not at all. Low-numbered cards naturally have less public exposure, but the demand from complete set buyers is stable, and private transactions are often higher than for similarly numbered Hearts or Diamonds. We will assess based on current market conditions.
Q: How can I initially determine the authenticity of a 6 of Clubs?
Counterfeits of low-numbered cards most often have issues with the cask number font. Pay attention to the serifs of "6 of Clubs" and the printing layers of "Single Cask" below the label. Send clear photos of these areas, and we can make a preliminary assessment.
Q: Is there a fee for on-site purchase?
No fee. Free on-site service in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and New Territories. Our appraiser will inspect the item on-site and settle payment in cash or via FPS immediately. There are no additional assessment or on-site fees.
Instant WhatsApp Quote: 46135750
Other Hanyu Card Series Single Bottles
The cask type, distillation year, and accessory condition vary for each card in the same series, leading to different valuations. Before selling, it's advisable to cross-reference the version:
- Hanyu Card Series King of Hearts Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series King of Diamonds Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series 10 OF CLUBS Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series Queen of Hearts Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series Black Joker Buyback Price
Before selling, you can also refer to: Hanyu Full Series Buyback Appraisal, Japanese Whisky Guide, Whisky Recycling FAQ.
