Recycle Hanyu Yuzuru Playing Cards Series King of Diamonds
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
King of Diamonds: The Most Referenced Market Indicator in the Card Series
Among the four Kings in the Card Series, the King of Diamonds has the most frequent public transaction records. The international collector community has long regarded it as a market barometer for the entire series. It can be seen almost every year at Bonhams Hong Kong and Sotheby's London Japanese whisky auctions. The Hanyu distillery closed in 2000, and the amount of original cask liquid is limited, meaning the supply of this high-ranking card will only become tighter – this is the leverage for sellers currently holding it.
King of Diamonds Specifications and Positioning
| Item | Characteristics of this card |
| Card Rank | King (Diamonds suit) |
| Distillation Year | Series description is mostly 1988 distillation (refer to bottle engraving) |
| Cask Type Description | Refill bourbon hogshead series (mostly single cask, cask strength) |
| Rarity Level | Extremely rare |
| Series Ranking | The King is the highest rank of the four suits. Whether trading a single card or a full set, its market price is the highest, and its exposure at international auctions is top-tier. |
Market Depth of the Card Series
After the Hanyu distillery ceased production, Ichiro Akuto reorganized approximately 400 remaining original casks, bottling them individually with a playing card theme. They were gradually released starting in 2005, with the last card completed in 2014, thereby sealing the entire series, which comprises a total of 54 cards.
In 2019, a complete set of 54 cards sold for HK$7,192,000 at Bonhams Hong Kong, which is the most representative public auction record for the Card Series. Individual card auctions circulate simultaneously in London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The market depth far exceeds that of ordinary Japanese whiskies, which is the basis for the stable valuation of high-ranking cards.
Key Authentication Points for King of Diamonds and Factors Affecting Resale Price
The King of Diamonds label features a diamond-shaped composition with a king's portrait in the center. When authenticating, please pay attention to the printing density of the king's cloak folds and the thickness of the cask number font; counterfeits often lose gradient details in the cloak area. The table below lists the aspects to examine during evaluation. Any missing item will result in a graded deduction, but it can still be purchased at the current week's market price.
| Evaluation Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Fill Level | Liquid level at the neck of the bottle. | Significantly lower, suspected leakage. |
| Cork / Screw Cap | Seal intact, no cracks. | Loose, previously opened and re-sealed. |
| Label Printing | Clear cloak gradient, full cask number font. | Yellowing, tears, blurry layers. |
| Cask Number and Bottle Number | Engraved cask number corresponds to bottle number. | Illegible, unable to verify. |
| Original Wooden Box and Certificate | Complete with wooden box and certificate. | Missing box, missing certificate. |
Selling Process
- WhatsApp Initial Valuation: Send multi-angle photos of the bottle to 46135750, stating the version and accessory condition. We will reply with a reference price on the same day.
- Cask Number Confirmation: Compare the engraved cask number, bottle number, and label design, and cross-reference with the current week's transaction range.
- Face-to-Face Transaction: Free door-to-door service in Hong Kong and Kowloon. After authentication, payment will be made immediately in cash or via FPS, with one-on-one handling throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the King of Diamonds receive more attention than Kings of other suits?
Because it has the most public transaction records and abundant price reference points. Collectors generally use it as a market anchor for the entire Card Series, making its circulation and negotiation relatively active.
Q: Can the King of Diamonds still be acquired without the original wooden box?
Yes. Discontinued single cask liquid is inherently extremely rare. A missing box will only result in a graded deduction in valuation, but we will still purchase it within the current week's market range.
Q: Why does the quoted price fluctuate over time?
The King of Diamonds is an active trading item in the open market. Each auction and private transaction influences its price; our quotes reflect the current transaction range, not outdated prices from several months ago.
WhatsApp for instant quote: 46135750
Other Hanyu Playing Card Singles
Within the Card Series, different suits and ranks directly affect the valuation. Before selling, you can first verify the version:
- Hanyu Card Series Black Joker Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series King of Clubs Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series Queen of Clubs Buyback Price
- Hanyu Card Series King of Hearts Buyback Price
Further References
To learn more about Hanyu's prices for different vintages and versions, you can browse the Hanyu Buyback Models List, or refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Whisky. You can also find information on Free Door-to-Door Buyback Services in Hong Kong and Macau.
