The Top 5 Rarest Magic: The Gathering Cards

Magic: The Gathering has captivated players and collectors worldwide since its inception in 1993. Within the vast universe of MTG cards, certain elusive gems stand out as the pinnacle of rarity and prestige. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the top 5 rarest MTG cards, which hold legendary status and high price tags. 

Now, there are a lot of rare MTG cards floating around, all of which deserve a spot on a top-rarest list like this. But, we thought it would be fun to narrow our list down to just 5. As always, we want to hear from you and find out which cards you have in your top five or belong in ours. So, be sure to sound off and leave me your thoughts in the comments after you’ve read through the list!

Let’s begin!

5. Timetwister

First up, we have the Timetwister, a card with the ability to shuffle both players' hands, graveyards, and libraries back into their decks, effectively resetting the game. Timetwister's impact on the game cannot be overstated, as it offers a remarkable blend of chaos, renewal, and strategic opportunity. Its rarity and allure have made it a cherished card among passionate collectors in the MTG community.

If you want to bring the Timetwister to your collection, figure on spending around $13,000 – $20,000.

4. Time Walk

Time Walk, a time-manipulating sorcery card, is a testament to the power and rarity of early MTG sets. This rare blue sorcery spell card possesses a truly remarkable ability. When cast, it grants the player an extra turn, allowing them to take two consecutive turns in the game. This extraordinary temporal manipulation provides a significant advantage, granting the player additional opportunities to deploy spells, develop their board state, and disrupt their opponent's plans.

As one of the original Power Nine cards, it is considered a pinnacle of rarity and would certainly be an essential addition to any serious collector's gathering. However, in order to make Time Walk a part of your collection, you’ll have to be willing to spend somewhere between $15,000 – $20,000.

 

3. Mox Sapphire

Mox Sapphire is a card that only the most passionate collectors are willing to chase…and pay for. This is another legendary Power Nine card that holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. This artifact card, crafted with exquisite detail, showcases a flawless blue sapphire set within a golden frame, emanating an aura of elegance and power.

Known for its exceptional ability to accelerate a player's mana production, Mox Sapphire is as powerful as it is beautiful. By tapping Mox Sapphire, a player gains a single blue mana, allowing swift and efficient casting of spells and unleashing potent strategies. This unrivaled mana acceleration ability has made Mox Sapphire a staple in many competitive MTG decks throughout the game's history. 

A Mox Sapphire has a value between $15,000 – $30,000

2. Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is another iconic and exceptionally rare MTG card. Printed in the game's early Alpha and Beta sets, this blue instant spell allows a player to draw three cards at the cost of just one blue mana. Its potency lies in its ability to provide unparalleled card advantage, enabling players to access more resources and options. 

Due to its incredible card advantage and historical significance, Ancestral Recall is a highly sought-after card among collectors and competitive players, which is why it has such a hefty price tag for ownership. That price tag could cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,0000 – $35,000.

 

1. Black Lotus

We finally reach the holy grail itself. The Black Lotus holds the title of the rarest and most valuable card in the game…and for good reason. If you’ve read any of our previous blogs or followed any of the auctions yourself, you know why this card gets to go to the top of virtually every rarest MTG card list out there. 

Originally printed in the game's Alpha and Beta sets, this card is known for its immense power to accelerate a player's resources. Over the years, the Black Lotus has seen a lot of green come its way, especially for a signed version by artist Christopher Rush. Many collectors have jumped at the opportunity to plant a Black Lotus in their collection, including celebs like Post Malone, who once paid a whopping $800,000 for it.

So, depending on which version you’re looking for, just be prepared to spend six figures if you want to beat out the heavy hitters who may be chasing the same Lotus.

The world of MTG is a realm of infinite possibilities and rich collectibles. The top 5 rarest MTG cards mentioned above represent the pinnacle of rarity, commanding astronomical prices and symbolizing the heritage of the game. Owning one of these elusive gems not only offers immense joy to collectors, but also connects them to the history and legacy of MTG. 

As the game continues to evolve and new expansions are released, the search for rare cards and the allure of these mythical treasures will persist, fueling the passion and excitement within the MTG community. With that in mind, we would like to get your thoughts. What does your list look like? Which cards belong in our top 5? Do you possess any of the treasures featured above? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. 

Until we meet again,

Vince the Prince