Piece: Pair of original Acid Test cards from Merry Prankster and Janis Joplin manager, Julian Karpen. *Current Miracle Project item.
Series Number: N/A
Printing/Date: Est. 1965 - 1967
Performer(s): Various
Artist(s): Unknown
Venue: Various
Size (framed): 9”x 7”
AW Condition Assessment: Fine Art Grade
Notes: Current “I Need a Miracle” item. 100% of sale price donated to charity. See “Miracle Project” section for more information on our project. Item donated by Gallery August West.
Gallery August West is excited to present this pair of original Acid Test cards from the estate of Merry Prankster and Big Brother (Janis Joplin) manager, Julian Karpen.
The top card displays contact information for Karpen’s business venture, Intrepid Trips Inc. Authentic surviving examples are scarce.
The bottom card features an altered version of the classic “Uncle Sam Wants You” image. This pocket-sized card invited participants into the earliest gatherings that gave birth to the Grateful Dead, the Trips Festival, and the broader countercultural explosion of the 1960s. These cards were printed in limited numbers and handed out at the Acid Tests as a symbolic “membership” token — a nod to the movement’s blend of satire, spontaneity, and spiritual experimentation.
This pair of historic cards last sold at auction in 2021 for over $1,700 (please message for reference).
*Floating, geometric frames can be wall hung or table displayed. If wall hung, frame extends 3” from wall.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
Piece: Pair of original Acid Test cards from Merry Prankster and Janis Joplin manager, Julian Karpen. *Current Miracle Project item.
Series Number: N/A
Printing/Date: Est. 1965 - 1967
Performer(s): Various
Artist(s): Unknown
Venue: Various
Size (framed): 9”x 7”
AW Condition Assessment: Fine Art Grade
Notes: Current “I Need a Miracle” item. 100% of sale price donated to charity. See “Miracle Project” section for more information on our project. Item donated by Gallery August West.
Gallery August West is excited to present this pair of original Acid Test cards from the estate of Merry Prankster and Big Brother (Janis Joplin) manager, Julian Karpen.
The top card displays contact information for Karpen’s business venture, Intrepid Trips Inc. Authentic surviving examples are scarce.
The bottom card features an altered version of the classic “Uncle Sam Wants You” image. This pocket-sized card invited participants into the earliest gatherings that gave birth to the Grateful Dead, the Trips Festival, and the broader countercultural explosion of the 1960s. These cards were printed in limited numbers and handed out at the Acid Tests as a symbolic “membership” token — a nod to the movement’s blend of satire, spontaneity, and spiritual experimentation.
This pair of historic cards last sold at auction in 2021 for over $1,700 (please message for reference).
*Floating, geometric frames can be wall hung or table displayed. If wall hung, frame extends 3” from wall.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
