Magic: The Gathering Source

Alpha Edition Price Guide Framework

Prices for Alpha cards vary widely based on:

• Condition: Near Mint (NM) cards fetch the highest prices, while Played (PL) or Damaged copies are significantly less valuable.
• Rarity: Commons (C), Uncommons (U), and Rares (R) have different price tiers, with rares often commanding thousands.
• Demand: Iconic cards (e.g., Power Nine) or those with competitive legacy/vintage playability drive higher prices.
• Market Trends: Prices have generally risen over time due to collector interest and inflation, though reprints of non-Reserved List cards in later sets can temper growth.

Below, I’ll outline approximate price ranges for notable Alpha cards and categories, based on historical trends and reasonable extrapolation to 2025. These are rough estimates for NM condition unless stated otherwise—actual prices should be verified with current listings on sites like TCGplayer, Card Kingdom, MTGGoldfish, or eBay sold auctions.

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Key Alpha Cards: Power Nine

The Power Nine are the most famous and valuable cards from Alpha, all rares, and part of the Reserved List (never to be reprinted in a tournament-legal form). Prices have soared over the years, especially for NM copies.

1. Black Lotus
   • Approximate Value: $100,000 – $250,000+
   • Notes: The holy grail of MTG. A PSA 10 sold for $540,000 in 2021; by 2025, high-grade copies could push even higher due to rarity and hype, though lower grades (e.g., PSA 5) might range from $50,000-$100,000.
2. Mox Sapphire, Mox Ruby, Mox Emerald, Mox Pearl, Mox Jet
   • Approximate Value (each): $10,000 – $30,000
   • Notes: Prices vary by color demand (Sapphire often highest due to blue’s vintage dominance). NM copies could exceed $30,000 in 2025; Played copies might be $5,000-$10,000.
3. Ancestral Recall
   • Approximate Value: $10,000 – $20,000
   • Notes: A powerhouse blue instant. NM prices have climbed steadily; expect $15,000+ in 2025.
4. Time Walk
   • Approximate Value: $8,000 – $18,000
   • Notes: Extra turns are always premium. NM could hit $18,000; Played around $4,000-$8,000.
5. Timetwister
   • Approximate Value: $7,000 – $15,000
   • Notes: Less played than other Power Nine but still iconic. NM likely $12,000+.

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Dual Lands

Alpha dual lands (no drawback, two-color mana producers) are staples in eternal formats and highly sought after. All are rares.

• Underground Sea (Black/Blue): $10,000 – $20,000
• Tundra (White/Blue): $8,000 – $15,000
• Taiga (Red/Green): $7,000 – $14,000
• Bayou (Black/Green): $7,000 – $13,000
• Tropical Island (Green/Blue): $7,000 – $13,000
• Savannah (White/Green): $6,000 – $12,000
• Scrubland (White/Black): $6,000 – $12,000
• Plateau (White/Red): $5,000 – $10,000
• Badlands (Black/Red): $5,000 – $10,000
• Notes: Prices reflect NM condition. Blue-heavy lands (Underground Sea, Tundra) tend to lead due to format popularity. Played copies might be 40-60% of NM value.

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Other Notable Rares

• Shivan Dragon: $2,000 – $5,000 (iconic red creature)
• Chaos Orb: $3,000 – $7,000 (unique dexterity mechanic)
• Birds of Paradise: $2,500 – $6,000 (mana dork staple)
• Wheel of Fortune: $2,000 – $4,500 (red draw power)
• Mind Twist: $1,500 – $3,500 (black discard)
• Royal Assassin: $1,000 – $2,500 (classic black creature)
• Serra Angel: $1,000 – $2,500 (white flyer)

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Uncommons

Alpha uncommons are less valuable than rares but still pricey due to the set’s scarcity.

• Sol Ring: $1,000 – $2,500 (ubiquitous mana rock)
• Counterspell: $800 – $2,000 (blue control staple)
• Swords to Plowshares: $700 – $1,800 (white removal)
• Lightning Bolt: $500 – $1,200 (red burn)
• Dark Ritual: $400 – $1,000 (black mana boost)

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Commons

Even Alpha commons command high prices due to the set’s rarity and black borders.

• Disenchant: $200 – $500
• Giant Growth: $150 – $400
• Healing Salve: $100 – $300
• Blue Elemental Blast: $150 – $400
• Llanowar Elves: $200 – $500

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Basic Lands

Alpha basics are unique with only two artworks per type (unlike later sets). Prices depend on condition and artwork.

• Island, Swamp, Mountain, Forest, Plains: $50 – $150 each (NM)
• Notes: Heavily played copies might drop to $20-$50.

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How to Use This Guide

1. Check Current Listings: Prices fluctuate. Use TCGplayer, Card Kingdom, or eBay “sold” listings for current date for accuracy.
2. Condition Matters: NM prices are listed; deduct 20-60% for Light Play (LP) or Played (PL), more for Damaged.
3. Grading Boost: PSA or BGS graded cards (e.g., PSA 8-10) can double or triple ungraded NM values, especially for Power Nine or duals.
4. Trends: Collector demand keeps Alpha prices rising, though economic factors or MTG’s overall popularity could shift this.