Why is the Ace of Spades so different than the other three aces? Why aren’t all the aces made the same way? How did this come to be?
Extra: Why is a clover-like symbol called a “club”? Personally, I like how some call it a “puppy paw”. 
- Jinx
FWIW, the standard 52-card deck of today is supposed to be analogous to part of the Tarot deck. Each Tarot suit corresponded to one of the modern suits as follows:
Wikipedia answers:
[quote=Wikipedia]
The fanciful design and manufacturer’s logo commonly displayed on the Ace of Spades began under the reign of James I of England, who passed a law requiring an insignia on that card as proof of payment of a tax on local manufacture of cards. Until August 4, 1960, decks of playing cards printed and sold in the United Kingdom were liable for taxable duty and the Ace of Spades carried an indication of the name of the printer and the fact that taxation had been paid on the cards. The packs were also sealed with a government duty wrapper.
[/qote]
From here.
more info about tax stamps here :
BTW, failure to pay tax on playing cards was a death penalty offence under James (as were many other minor crimes) hence Ace of Spades = the death card.
“I don’t share your greed, the only card I need is The Ace Of Spades.”