The idea of Magic: The Gathering cards selling for millions of pounds may have you wondering just what it is that makes them so valuable. To collectors, it is a combination of power, rarity and history that can drive the price up. These cards are more than simply collectables however. They offer a direct link to the origins of the game, and its most legendary plays.
We’ve put together a list of the most expensive, and famous, cards in Magic history, as well as explaining just what it is that makes them the undeniable stars of any collection.
The Power Nine
In the history of Magic there are nine cards that stand out as the most expensive and famous. They are from the first three sets of the game: Alpha, Beta and Unlimited. They are collectively known as the Power Nine and are known for being ridiculously overpowered and as a consequence are either banned or restricted in most formats. The value of these cards is driven by their limited print run and the Reserved List. This is a policy from Wizards of the Coast that assures players that there will never be a reprint of these cards, therefore preserving their rarity.
Black Lotus
Undeniably the holy grail when it comes to Magic cards. An artifact that costs zero mana and provides three mana of any colour, it may well be the most powerful card ever printed. A mint-condition Alpha Black Lotus can command a price of millions of pounds. The iconic art and absurd power level ensure it is the ultimate status symbol for collectors all over the world.
The Moxen
This is a cycle of five artifacts Mox Pearl, Mox Sapphire, Mox Jet, Mox Ruby, and Mox Emerald. They cost zero mana and tap for just one coloured mana, meaning they function as one land.
Ancestral Recall
A one-mana instant that permits the caster to draw three cards. This is card advantage that is unheard of for such a low cost.
Time Walk
For two mana, this sorcery gives you an additional turn. In Magic, extra turns are one of the most powerful effects, and Time Walk is the most mana-efficient method of getting one.
Timetwister
This is a card that shuffles every player's hand and graveyard into their library, then has them draw a new hand of seven cards. This is a powerful effect and is the only card of the Power Nine that in Commander format is not banned. This makes it very desirable and an expensive card for that format.
The New King
The Power Nine have managed to hold their value for decades. However, a new card has entered the arena and shattered the records.
The One Ring (Serialised)
Easily recognisable for most players and taken from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, this is a one-of-a-kind, serialised card and created a worldwide treasure hunt. Its unique serialisation (1 of 1) has made it the most exclusive card that has ever been printed. It was famously sold to musician Post Malone for a staggering $2 million. This card is a testament to the growing mainstream appeal of the game, and the value of true rarity.
The world of Magic collecting is a fascinating one, and driven by a combination of history, scarcity and, of course, power. These cards are not mere pieces of cardboard; they are artifacts of a game that has captivated millions of players for decades. Their value is a reflection of their legendary status.
