# Should You Start Collecting Magic: The Gathering Cards?

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/are-magic-cards-worth-collecting/
- Published: 2023-10-31
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/)

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Absolutely – certain Magic: The Gathering cards can gain tremendous financial value over time. With the right knowledge and strategy, a Magic collection can become an investment portfolio. This guide will provide an in-depth look at maximizing returns from Magic cards. Let‘s explore why it‘s worth collecting these iconic gaming pieces!

## The Allure of Magic Collecting

Part of Magic‘s enduring popularity over 30+ years stems from its collectibility. Here are some key reasons why people love collecting Magic cards:

- **Nostalgia** – Many remember fondly building their first decks. Iconic early cards evoke sentimental memories.
- **Artwork** – Gorgeous fantasy illustrations make Magic a visually stunning collectible. Full art promos are especially sought-after.
- **Community** – Trading, collecting and playing Magic fosters community. Shared bonds drive collecting.
- **Utility** – Cards retain playability in tournaments and casual formats. Utility maintains value.

But above all, financial upside makes collecting Magic compelling. Let‘s analyze the wealth building potential.

## Just How Much Can Magic Cards Appreciate in Value?

Plenty of amazing stories highlight the growth in value of iconic MTG cards over decades:

- A Mint Alpha Black Lotus sold at auction in 2021 for a record $511,100. There are estimated to be only 1100 Alpha Lotuses in existence.
- A Rare Beta Mox Sapphire recently auctioned for $244,000. Only 3300 copies of this card were ever printed.
- An Ancestral Recall from Alpha in Gem Mint condition fetched $167,100 in a 2021 auction.
- And a 1st Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard Pokémon card realized $373,000 in an auction the same year.

These examples showcase the immense financial upside from collecting the rarest vintage specimens in pristine condition. Let‘s analyze the investing potential.

## Magic Compared to Other Collectibles

How does Magic‘s growth compare to bonds, stocks, gold and other alternatives? While past performance doesn‘t guarantee future returns, Magic has historically rewarded patient investors:

- According to the _Black Lotus Index_, Alpha Magic cards have averaged 14% annual price growth from 1993-2020.
- The S&P 500 delivered roughly 9% annualized returns over the same time period.
- Gold prices gained just 2% annually from 1993-2020 based on historical charts.
- Pokemon cards have seen similar meteoric price spikes for the rarest 1st Edition cards from the late 90s.

So Magic appears to have outpaced stocks and gold as an investment, while carrying lower volatility than cryptocurrencies. And the collectible nature gives it an advantage over bonds.

## Expert Analysis: Why Magic Cards Can Appreciate

Resale platforms like Card Kingdom have observed first-hand the appreciation of Magic cards over decades. Co-founder Dan Nelson remarks:

> "We‘ve watched Alpha cards like Black Lotus gain 200x or more value since the 90s. And Reserved List cards from early sets reliably increase around 10% annually."

But why does this happen? Experts point to:

- **Scarcity** – Many desirable cards had tiny print runs. Alpha had about 1100 Black Lotus cards total!
- **Cultural significance** – As the first major collectible card game, early Magic maintains prestige.
- **Utility** – Playability in Eternal formats insulates values of the best cards.

In short, Magic cards leverage provable scarcity and lasting utility to retain value. That creates real wealth building potential.

## Top 10 Most Valuable Magic Cards of All Time

Here are the Magic cards that have realized astronomical prices in recent sales:

| Card | Edition | Recent Sale Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Black Lotus | Alpha | $511,100 |
| Mox Sapphire | Beta | $244,000 |
| Ancestral Recall | Alpha | $167,100 |
| Timetwister | Alpha | $132,000 |
| Mox Jet | Beta | $118,000 |
| Time Walk | Alpha | $118,000 |
| Mox Emerald | Alpha | $105,750 |
| Mox Ruby | Alpha | $84,000 |
| Underground Sea | Alpha | $74,200 |
| Volcanic Island | Alpha | $73,375 |

This showcases how coveted the Power Nine and other early cards are. But what modern cards could one day join this list?

## Modern Cards With Long Term Potential

Here are some modern-era cards to consider for investment potential:

- **Zendikar Expeditions** – These full art masterpiece fetch lands are already valued at $400-$3000 and rising.
- **Inventions** – Masterpiece cards like Mana Crypt can reach $2000+. Scarcity gives them upside.
- **Reserved List** – Modern Reserved List cards like Gaea‘s Cradle continue climbing due to scarcity.
- **Full Art Promos** – Cards like Demonic Tutor with gorgeous new art are collectible.
- **Format Staples** – Eternal playables like Umezawa‘s Jitte have history on their side.

These types of cards have characteristics pointing to solid future returns.

## Maximizing Returns on Your Collection

Suppose you find a few potential gems in your old card collection. Here are tips to maximize value:

- Handle cards carefully! Mint condition fetches exponentially higher prices. Consider grading cards.
- Research sale prices thoroughly before buying/selling. Check multiple sources.
- Auction houses like PWCC, Heritage and Goldin can extract top dollar for your most prized possessions.
- Time your trades wisely – cards spike when they win tournaments, get banned/unbanned, or enable new decks.
- Proper storage, insurance, documentation and security precautions help preserve value.

With preparation and care, you can turn your Magic collection into a financial asset.

## Wrapping Up

For the right collector, Magic cards represent an investment opportunity. Their cultural significance, scarcity and utility give them intriguing wealth building potential compared to many collectibles. Approach collecting strategically – target the rarest and most iconic cards in pristine shape. Research diligently, and exercise patience for ideal returns. Your Magic collection could become a treasure trove!

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Source: [Should You Start Collecting Magic: The Gathering Cards?](https://33rdsquare.com/are-magic-cards-worth-collecting/)