Totocalcio: History and Collectibles
Totocalcio is an icon of the Italian cultural landscape, which has spanned decades of sporting and social history. Officially introduced in 1946, Totocalcio has represented for many generations a fixed weekend appointment, an opportunity to dream of a win that could change your life.
History of Totocalcio
Totocalcio was born in the post-war period, in an Italy eager for rebirth and entertainment. It was created by sports engineer Massimo Della Pergola, together with Fabio Jegher and Geo Molo, and the first competition took place on May 5, 1946. The formula of the game involved guessing the results of 12 football matches, later increased to 13. This simple mechanism immediately captured the attention of Italians, who flocked to betting shops every Sunday to fill out their betting slip .
The Evolution of the Game
Over the years, Totocalcio has undergone several changes and updates to maintain the public's interest. In the 90s, the "9" and "14" were introduced, offering greater winning opportunities. The betting slip was no longer just a piece of paper, but a ritual, a habit that involved friends and family in discussing and making predictions.
The Decline and the Rebirth
In recent decades, Totocalcio has faced a decline in popularity due to the advent of new games and more modern sports betting. However, the charm of Totocalcio has never completely disappeared. Vintage betting slips have become collector's items, sought after by enthusiasts who consider them pieces of sporting and cultural history with which to create posters and pictures to frame and hang.
Collectibles and Historical Value
Collecting Totocalcio cards is a hobby that involves many enthusiasts. Old cards, especially those from the 40s and 50s, can be very valuable to collectors.
On Dispensa Vintage you can find a wide selection of vintage Totocalcio cards from various years and competitions.
In addition to the betting slips, almanacs, old bulletins and advertising posters related to Totocalcio are also highly sought after, but the most sought-after object by vintage collectors are certainly the vintage license plates or old Totocalcio illuminated signs, which now fetch prices of around €500.
Do you own a Totocalcio lighted or vintage sign? Write to us if you want to sell it or if you are looking for an appraisal , we will try to give you all the information you are looking for.
Totocalcio Trivia
There are many curiosities related to Totocalcio. For example, the first winning ticket was filled out by a bricklayer from Friuli, who managed to win a considerable prize for the time with a bet of just 30 lire. Furthermore, the term "13", symbol of the maximum win, has entered common parlance as a synonym for a stroke of luck.
The Totocalcio Today
Although Totocalcio no longer has the centrality it once had, it continues to be a game played by many Italians. The new digital versions have tried to adapt the charm of the traditional game to modern needs, keeping alive a tradition that has marked the history of football and Italian customs.
Conclusion
Totocalcio is not just a game, but a piece of Italian history. Its evolution, its impact on society and its legacy in collecting make it a unique phenomenon. For those who want to rediscover the charm of the past or start a collection, Totocalcio offers a window into an era in which football and the hope of a big win were an integral part of everyday life.
