The King of Pentacles card is represents worldly success, materialistic satisfaction and sometimes wealth.
Element: Earth (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo).
Kings often embody governance and rule over something, or they are patrons that build up groups of people around them. They make expert commanders and they personify authority. Kings are typically not easily swayed.
The King of Pentacles has different meanings when interpreted upright as it does reversed (upside down, not the same as face down).
The table below shows a brief summary of interpretations, followed by more in-depth analysis of the card in both positions below.
| Upright | Reversed |
| Prosperity. Worldly achievement. Success, abundance. Financial stability. Business man. Patriarchy. | Materialistic. Wasteful. Greedy. Financial instability or loss. Possessive. |
| (Yes/No?): Yes | (Yes/No?): No |
This card is all about success, comfort and achievement.
The King of Pentacles is sophisticated and ambitious.
King of Pentacles Number Meaning
In Tarot, Kings are associated with the number 14. In numerology, this can reduce to 5 (1+4=5).
Number 14 Meaning
Depending on the reading, the meaning of the number 14 may be significant for many reasons such as dates, times, or it can point back to the Temperance card (IV).
Number 5 Meaning
Like other odd numbers, the number 5 is a masculine number.
The meaning of the number 5 represents conflict or drama, discord, struggle, and challenges. A less negative meaning of the number 5 refer to a challenge or division of some kind.
In a tarot reading, the number 5 can confirmation or point back to the Hierophant card (V).
King of Pentacles Description
In the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, the King of Pentacles card depicts a regal King in a luxurious gown, sitting on his thrown.
In his right hand he holds a gold scepter.
In his lap sits a giant gold pentacle which he looks at with intense attention.
On his throne, are bull carvings.
Surrounding him are luxurious grape vines, plants and various flowers.