Bitcoin Trading Cards Elevates Industry Status with Bold New Products | Manufacturing

5/27/2025

RRD’s innovative, secure print capabilities set entrepreneur up for success in growing market

CHALLENGE

Entrepreneur Alladan Flinn created a new approach to teaching Bitcoin cryptocurrency fundamentals and financial literacy through the age-old hobby of trading cards. Flinn’s company, Bitcoin Trading Cards, was born from a desire to both create a community and provide education about the world of finance. To mirror Bitcoin’s core values, Flinn wanted the cards to be created with built-in scarcity and verifiable authenticity.

Instead of mass-produced, expendable cards with redundant designs, Flinn desired undeniably unique trading card artwork to set Bitcoin Trading Cards apart from larger, more established competitors. His goals included high-precision specifications and one-of-a-kind artwork layered with rare effects. To achieve this, the company needed an external partner with specialized print capabilities — and a secure environment to protect cards layered with unique embellishments and anti-counterfeit features. 

Bitcoin Trading Cards also sought top-grade card packaging. Packaging solutions — including plastic sleeves, package wrappers, and boxes — would be important from artistic, structural, and security perspectives. Purposeful designs and superior quality were non-negotiable in creating these rare collectibles and their containers.

Additionally, during in-person conventions and collector shows, Bitcoin Trading Cards intended to stage their own mini-events to highlight their brand and attract a like-minded community. The products on site had to be striking and inviting, drawing customers in and sparking conversations. For Flinn, this was a chance to lead by example among peers in the industry — and authentically connect with collectors.

SOLUTION

RRD and Bitcoin Trading Cards formed a true collaboration that transcended a typical client-partner relationship. “I celebrated when I learned that our company could work with RRD, the best printer in the world,” Flinn shared. 

RRD’s advanced print capabilities, high-level technical expertise, and creative collaboration enabled the company to explore limitless ideas. For example, Flinn introduced the idea of bringing lava to life on a volcano card. Even if it took eighteen layers of foil, RRD was enthusiastic about making the idea come to life. “I can’t explain how great they were,” Flinn said about RRD, adding, “The teamwork brought our company unlimited potential and ignited a one-of-a-kind spark.” 

Art files were transformed into visual composite renderings, and RRD encouraged experimentation and exploration of what was possible. “We appreciated the willingness and personal, one-on-one time spent to help elevate and grow the brand. RRD has earned my loyalty,” said Flinn. 

RRD enhanced the trading card art by adding layers and embellishments, including foil board, cold foil, hot foil, UV, and raised UV embellishments. These materials transformed the cards into works of art. Visual features from multiple effects, such as refractors, holograms, and double-sided foil coatings, produced stunning finished products. 

Following production, Bitcoin Trading Cards earned top scores from professional graders, meeting near perfection in a market with stringent standards. In order to receive gem or mint status, a card must be perfectly centered, an accomplishment achieved with RRD’s technical expertise.

To increase the value of the cards — and ensure their authenticity and rarity —  holographic labels with embedded security features were used. To make the cards counterfeit-proof and protect the company’s intellectual property, around-the-clock security measures prevented anyone from viewing the unique print production. Security features, including tamper-evident, branded plastic wraps, ensured no one could open and then resell cards on the secondary market. 

Flinn and his team enjoyed the full-service support of working closely with RRD. “One of the best parts of our partnership was the fun and fire of the process,” Flinn said. He personally took delivery of his first shipment to share the experience with RRD’s facility employees. “We all ripped open a pack of cards at the same time in celebration of what we accomplished together — incredible cards made with integrity and transparency.”

RESULTS

The partnership between RRD and Bitcoin Trading Cards yielded the following results:

• Achieved consistent 5% month-over-month revenue growth, fueling business momentum
• Increased average online order value to $700–$800 per transaction
• Elevated the value of Bitcoin Trading Cards, attracting high-end collectors
• Fostered a loyal collector community to drive ongoing engagement
• Elevated the value of trading cards to attract high-end collectors 
• Raised trading card quality to set a new industry standard
• Developed products with top-tier ratings from leaders in professional grading services
• Secured a presence on Whatnot.com alongside large global brands
• Positioned the company for scalable growth with a landmark card set