The conversation WAS civil...not so much anymore - anyhow - JRobarts pretty much has the facts.
Here is the real history - years ago Jerry's Nugget Casino wanted to move the playing cards in their gift shop - they were selling for a nickel a piece - Lee Asher bought enough to build a bomb shelter out of, as he was going to use them as practice cards. He used them in a few videos, and people wanted to own (what at that time) was one of the only different deck you could get your hands on.
Asher was no fool - he started to sell them. The market dictated the value - as it even says at the official JN card website:
What is a pack of Jerry's Nugget playing cards worth?
Because it's a seller's market, the deck is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Like any great investment, what might have once seemed to be a premium price, turned out to be a smart buy. Classic Jerry's Nugget playing cards have only continued to increase in value.
For example, look at a recent playing card Ebay auction where the decks sold for over a grand; making it the most desirable playing cards in the world. We feel confident in making one prediction about the price of Classic Jerry's Nugget playing cards - it's going to be higher tomorrow than it is today.
For as long as I have been friends with Lee, he has been using and distributing these cards...however, no good thing last forever. In the near future as it says on the site - the stock is dwindlig - these cards will not be readily sold...this makes them very rare...unless you can convince someone to part with them.
Again - you are mistaken on the Black Ghost's - 1st edition still has value - you are talking about second edition.
Baller08 is right about one thing...Asher did buy them because they were cheap...many have used them just because they were not really "worth" anything - however, one man's garbage becomes another man's treasure - this attitude is why they are so hard to get now. Baller08 is also right when he states, "Jerry's were used by historic and great magicians" - and I think it's nice to own something that someone great once used. Personally, I really like the way Nuggets handle - they last a long time and don't clump like new novelty decks do over use.
Baller08 is also right to say that many don't pay $150 dollar for their decks...but University Prof's don't pay for their books or learning material either...but students pay tutitoin and book expenses to take part in that membership. Don't tell me that you aren't just paying for membership either, because EDUCATION is as easy a library card - you are paying for your degree.
Similarily - those that are paying 150 bucks are paying for the right to own something that is used by those we consider talent in magic.
So - yes they are rare - yes it is part of our history because of the status of them - I am not sure many kids believe that it will "make their magic better" or "they will be taken more seriously" - I think it has to do with owning something that not everyone has - sure, and if that is hype to you - fine - but baller08 - why so negative - why are you so emotinally vested in this?
The real issue is - you are not educated on this topic - and you have little understanding of what creates the value of this deck - versus other novelty decks...which you obviously have no knowledge of either.