Bicycle Centurions Playing Cards by Theory11
The Deck That Changed Modern Playing Cards Forever
Some playing card decks are collectible.
Some are influential.
Very few become legendary.
Bicycle Centurions Playing Cards by theory11 belong to that rare category.
Originally released in 2008, Centurions marked a turning point in modern playing card design. At a time when custom playing cards were still in their infancy, theory11 set out to create a deck that would redefine both aesthetics and performance.
The result was a deck that quickly achieved cult status among magicians, cardists, collectors, and playing card enthusiasts around the world.
Today, sealed first-edition Centurions are among the most sought-after modern playing cards ever produced.
The Beginning of a New Era
In April 2008, theory11 embarked on an ambitious mission:
Create the ultimate modern playing card deck.
The objective was simple but challenging.
The deck needed to excel in two areas:
- Exceptional design
- Exceptional handling
To achieve this, theory11 partnered with the acclaimed design studio WA007, spending countless hours developing, refining, and perfecting every detail.
More than seventeen design concepts and prototypes were created before arriving at the final version.
The finished design combined:
- Modern elegance
- Contemporary styling
- Classic Bicycle heritage
- Theory11's signature artistic edge
The result was unlike anything else available at the time.
Designed From The Ground Up
Unlike many decks that simply modify existing artwork, Bicycle Centurions were built entirely from scratch.
Every major design element was custom created, including:
- Back design
- Ace of Spades
- Jokers
- Tuck case
- Court card coloration
The deck introduced a clean yet aggressive visual style that felt simultaneously premium, modern, and timeless.
More than a decade later, the design remains instantly recognizable.
Revolutionary Quality & Handling
The innovation extended beyond the artwork.
Theory11 worked directly with the United States Playing Card Company and its research and development team to push the limits of playing card production.
The goal was simple:
Create a deck that felt as extraordinary as it looked.
The result was exceptional handling, smooth shuffling, superior durability, and outstanding performance that quickly made Centurions a favorite among professional magicians and card enthusiasts.
Many collectors still consider Centurions one of the finest-handling decks ever released during the early custom playing card era.
Why Centurions Became Legendary
Over the years, hundreds of custom decks have entered the market.
Yet Centurions continue to hold a special place among collectors.
The reasons are simple:
- Historic significance
- Groundbreaking design
- Early theory11 release
- Exceptional production quality
- Limited availability
- Strong collector demand
For many enthusiasts, Centurions represent the deck that helped launch the modern luxury playing card movement.
Owning a sealed deck today is like owning a piece of playing card history.
A Holy Grail for Collectors
As original decks disappeared into private collections, demand continued to grow.
Today, authentic Bicycle Centurions are considered one of the most desirable theory11 releases ever produced.
Collectors worldwide actively seek sealed examples due to their:
- Historical importance
- Limited availability
- Investment potential
- Iconic status within the hobby
Finding a genuine deck in excellent condition has become increasingly difficult, making Centurions one of the crown jewels of many serious collections.
Why You'll Love Bicycle Centurions
✔ Original 2008 theory11 masterpiece
✔ Designed in collaboration with WA007
✔ One of the most influential modern playing card decks
✔ Fully custom artwork throughout
✔ Premium USPCC production
✔ Legendary handling and performance
✔ Highly sought after by collectors worldwide
✔ Historic importance within the playing card industry
✔ A true grail deck for serious enthusiasts
Product Specifications
- Brand: theory11
- Deck Name: Bicycle Centurions
- Release Year: 2008
- Design Studio: WA007
- Manufacturer: United States Playing Card Company (USPCC)
- Theme: Modern Luxury Playing Cards
- Status: Highly Collectible / Out of Print
- Recommended For: Collectors, Magicians, Cardists, Playing Card Enthusiasts
More Than a Deck. A Piece of Playing Card History.
Bicycle Centurions represent a defining moment in the evolution of custom playing cards.
They helped establish the standards that many premium decks still strive to achieve today.
For collectors, they are a rare opportunity to own a landmark release from the early days of modern designer playing cards.
For enthusiasts, they are a reminder that true classics never go out of style.
Rare. Historic. Legendary. Bicycle Centurions.