Shop the Deck: Jacob Jerger Besancon Tarot
The Jacob Jerger Besancon restoration brings a specific 19th-century French tradition back to the table. This deck is a faithful reproduction of the 1820-1845 cards produced in France, which famously replaced the Popess and Pope cards with the Roman deities Juno and Jupiter. This shift changes the reading dynamic, moving away from ecclesiastical themes while maintaining the rigid Marseille structure.
The cardstock is heavy and durable, designed for active use rather than just sitting on a shelf. The pips are clear, and the courts maintain the sharp, traditional lines expected of a professional-grade historical deck. With only 1000 numbered decks in this first edition, it serves as both a collector’s item and a functional tool for readers who prefer the Besancon variant.
Verdict: Buy the deck.