Bodnar’s Auction House: Your One-Stop-Shop For Magic: The Gathering Card Auctions

Since its commercial release in 1993, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has mostly avoided the mainstream spotlight while still maintaining its success among die-hard fans. Created at the University of Pennsylvania by mathematician Richard Garfield, the trading card game has gone through multiple iterations and evolutions since its original release—this is a big part of what makes the game exciting. 

MTG games are played with 2 or more players. New players can buy pre-curated sets, but it is common for seasoned players to buy surprise Booster Packs and individual cards to create personalized decks. Individual cards are available for purchase at game stores, online resellers, and auction houses, among others.  

MTG cards have varying values. 

The value of MTG cards is based on their rarity. Rare cards can be classified as Rare, Mythic Rare, or a foil card. Mythic Rare and Rare cards are the most likely to be valuable, while foil cards have a wide range of possible values. The rarest MTG Card, Black Lotus was sold for $166k in March 2019, after having appreciated nearly double in value since it was sold in July 2018. Cards fluctuate in value frequently. 

After Black Lotus, the next most sought-after card, Ancestral Recall is valued at an incredible $19,999 after its August 2019 sale. A “Booster Pack” contains 15 randomized cards, but every pack comes with ten common cards, three uncommon cards, one rare/mythic rare, and one token card. MTG has had over 48 expansion pack releases with new card designs and updates each time. 

MTG is a collector’s game. 

Because there have been so many releases and so many cards in circulation, Magic: The Gathering is fundamentally a collector’s game. For devoted fans and players, it’s a part of the game to stay up-to-date on the newest releases, watch other players play online, join tournaments at game shops, and participate in the constant trade of cards. True enthusiasts are known for keeping unused cards in binders to trade with other players.  

Building a Deck

Pre-built decks are a great place for beginners to start. New players are able to choose from several different color decks built around similar themes and strategies. After buying a pre-made deck, players can begin reviewing trading sites and expansion packs for cards that lend themselves well to their chosen deck’s strategy. 

Decks are continually evolving, and that’s built-in to the fun of the game. 

Evaluating Your Collection

When building a deck, it’s common for players to research the available cards in the given expansion. Players are not limited to building decks using previously released cards, so it is helpful to know which cards might be available on auction sites. Some rare cards can cost in the range of $20 to $200 — and as much as Black Lotus — but it takes the guesswork out of buying Booster Packs. 

As you begin or update your collection, it’s important to: 

• Keep a catalog of rares, mythic rares, and foils. 
• Self-appraise your cards by looking them up on reputable trading sites and asking qualified game auctioneers. 
• Only make trades with confidence; you don’t have to accept low offers. 

For more information about our in-stock MTG cards or information about how to sell cards from your collection, reach out today!