Why Are There Playing Card Symbols on Pabst Blue Ribbon Bottle Caps?

Pabst Blue Ribbon bottle caps have symbols matching all 52 cards in a standard deck. Bottle caps are often used for promotional purposes by soda and beer distributors. The playing card symbols on PBR bottle caps encourage drinkers to continue buying more of the same brand to complete their collection.

A complete set of PBR bottle caps can replace playing cards for any game requiring a standard deck of cards without jokers. Collectors have gathered complete sets that can be found for sale online through eBay and other retailers. Caps are also traded between collectors over social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter.