MTG Cards Worth Money: What to Look for in Your Magic Collection
Which Magic: The Gathering cards are worth money? Power Nine, Reserved List, dual lands, mythics, special treatments, foils and serialized cards explained.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Magic: The Gathering has been around since 1993, and its most valuable cards sell for prices that rival fine art. But the cards most people own (commons, uncommons and ordinary rares) are worth little individually. Here's where the value usually is.
1. Old cards from the 1990s
The earliest sets, Alpha, Beta and Unlimited (1993), then Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Legends and The Dark, are where the most famous cards live. The Power Nine (Black Lotus, Ancestral Recall, Time Walk, Timetwister and the five Moxen) are the hobby's blue chips. See old MTG card values.
2. The Reserved List
Wizards of the Coast keeps a list of older cards it has promised never to reprint. With fixed supply, many of these, especially dual lands like Underground Sea and Volcanic Island, hold strong value. See the MTG Reserved List.
3. Commander staples
Commander is the most popular casual format, and powerful cards played in many decks (mana rocks, tutors, popular legendary creatures, fetch lands, shock lands) keep demand high. Reprints can lower their prices, though.
4. Mythic rares
Since 2008, the top rarity has been mythic rare (orange-red set symbol). Not all mythics are valuable, but most valuable modern cards are mythics or rares. See MTG rarity symbols.
5. Special treatments and foils
Modern sets print popular cards in many versions: borderless, showcase, extended art, retro frame, etched foil, galaxy foil, textured foil. Special versions of in-demand cards often sell for much more than the regular version. See MTG foil vs non-foil.
6. Serialized and limited cards
Some recent products include serialized cards stamped with a number (like 123/500), and limited releases like certain Secret Lair drops. Low numbers and popular cards drive value.
7. Misprints and oddities
Some misprints, test prints and oversized cards are collectible, but most misprints are minor and add little.
What's usually not valuable
- Commons and uncommons from most sets
- Cards from the late 1990s/2000s that saw little play
- Basic lands (with exceptions for some special art)
- Heavily played copies of most cards
Try it on your own cards
Sort your Magic cards by set symbol color: gold and orange-red first. Scan those with Rarefolio to see each card's estimated market value, then check for foils and special frames. See our MTG card scanner guide for scanning tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most valuable Magic card?
Black Lotus, especially from Alpha in top condition, is widely considered the most valuable Magic card.
Are old Magic cards worth money?
Some are: early sets and Reserved List cards can be valuable. Many old commons and uncommons are still worth little.
How do I know if my MTG card is rare?
Check the set symbol color: black is common, silver uncommon, gold rare and orange-red mythic rare.
Are foil Magic cards worth more?
Often, but not always. Foil versions of popular cards usually sell for more; foils of unplayed cards may not.