Why is Magic the Gathering So Expensive? Most Expensive MTG Cards

Did you know that some Magic the Gathering cards sell for over $1,000,000 on the open market? The most expensive Magic the Gathering cards can even be better stores of value than municipal bonds.

But those high price tags can scare many beginner collectors away from the game entirely. Why is Magic the Gathering so expensive, they think, leading them to miss out on the fun and excitement of this iconic card game.

The truth is that while the most expensive MTG cards have skyrocketed in value due to limited runs, rarity, and competitive play, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Magic without spending your life savings.

We’ll explore everything you need to know about expensive MTG cards, including how to find rare pieces for your collection, how Magic stacks up to other card games, and more affordable ways to enjoy the game.

Whether you’re looking to offload any expensive MTG cards you might have or to grow your collection, Danireon is your one-stop shop. We have hundreds of rare MTG singles for sale, sealed products from the latest sets to increase your odds of finding expensive cards.

Is Magic the Gathering Expensive?

With over 30 years of rich history, Magic the Gathering has its own ecosystem in the trading card game world.

But is Magic the Gathering expensive? The answer is a resounding yes–at least at the highest level of play. The most expensive MTG card, Black Lotus, once sold for a reported $3,000,000+. 

Typical meta decks for competitive play can cost over $1,000, depending on your format of choice. Some expensive MTG cards you might have in your closet for the last decade may even be worth 10 times what you originally bought them for.

But the game can be more affordable depending on your goals–which formats you choose to play, which cards you want to collect, etc.

The Cost of Playing vs Collecting

When people ask why is Magic the Gathering so expensive, they usually refer to collector’s prices.

Ultra-rare legacy cards from the first few sets, such as the Power Nine rare cards, are practically a bottomless pit. The value of collector cards, especially those part of the Reserve List (not scheduled for future reprints), can increase by 10 to 25% annually.

Sealed products from older eras can triple or even quintuple in value over a decade. However, the most expensive MTG card almost exclusively falls on the “Collector” side of the coin.

Competitive play is usually more affordable than competitive legacy decks, which contain the most expensive Magic the Gathering cards. Some formats, like Pauper or Commander, have decks that cost no more than $100. Other decks can still be competitive even by swapping out a few costlier options.

Even with the expensive MTG cards you might have in any Standard release, you’re usually not paying more than a thousand dollars for the latest meta decks.

Is MTG More Expensive Than Pokémon and Other TCGs?

Is Magic the Gathering expensive compared to other TCGs? The answer is typically yes, but it depends on why you want the cards. So why is Magic the Gathering so expensive compared to newer options like Disney Lorcana or One Piece?

The most expensive MTG cards, like the Power Nine,  have prices with several zeroes attached for a simple reason–they have existed for 2 or sometimes 3 decades. Some cards have not been printed in 10+ years or have minimal runs.

Plus, with powerful combat effects, they are quickly snatched up on the secondhand market. Newer TCGs still have an evolving meta, so many rare cards aren’t as universally valued yet.

For competitive play, games like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lorcana, and One Piece typically have competitive decks in the $200-700 range. The most expensive Magic the Gathering cards in any given set release may cost $50 to $100 by themselves pushing your costs above $1,000.

What are the Most Expensive Magic the Gathering Cards?

We can’t discuss expensive Magic the Gathering cards without first starting with the Power Nine.

These cards came from the first MTG sets, Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited. Due to their powerful gameplay effects, they’ve since all been added to the game’s Reserve List, never to be printed again.

The Nine are:

• Black Lotus (valued at $3,000,000)

• Ancestral Recall (Draw 3 cards for 1 Mana)

• Time Walk (Opponent loses a turn)

• Timetwister (Opponent redraws their hand)

• The “Moxen” Five (Mox Jet, Mox Sapphire, Mox Emerald, Mox Ruby, Mox Pearl. Each adds mana from a given color)

While the Nine are the most expensive MTG cards, they often aren’t legal for tournament play. So, what are the most expensive Magic the Gathering cards from more recent eras?

• Chrome Mox (A modern twist on Mox Jet, selling for $500+)

• Gaea’s Cradle (Green Land card that ramps for $900+)

• Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale (A legendary card that adds a mana upkeep cost to opposing creatures. Valued around $2,400)

These costs are typical for the rarest reserve list pieces.

But it’s crucial to note that these aren’t the average price if you’re just trying to get into the game. Cards from the latest Standard or Modern sets tend to be much more affordable, like:

• Finneas, Ace Archer (BLB-348) at $119

• Deflecting Swat (CMM-698) at $76

• Twinflame Tyrant (FDN-427) at $85

So, is Magic the Gathering expensive? Yes, at the very high end of the spectrum. But if you’re just concerned about playing the latest sets, the costs are much more affordable.

Why is Magic the Gathering So Expensive?

What are the most expensive Magic the Gathering cards providing to make them so expensive?

Simply put, the supply of these cards is incredibly low.

Card Rarity and Limited Print Runs

Why is Magic the Gathering so expensive? MTG cards are subject to the laws of supply and demand, like any other commodity. Most expensive Magic the Gathering cards are from early sets like Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, and Arabian Nights, which printed just a few million cards compared to the hundreds of millions in modern sets.

If you look at our MTG rarity guide, you’ll know that the highest rarity cards only show up a few times per set release. For the earliest sets, there may be less than 10 total cards in existence.

Competitive Play Drives Prices Up

The most expensive Magic the Gathering cards are known for their game-changing abilities. The prominent example is the Power Nine, which were added to the Reserve List due to their power. Simply playing Black Lotus (were it not banned in many formats) can allow you to win the game in just a couple of turns.

Competitive play increases the prices of powerful cards, even with modern releases. If a card shows up at every tournament, expect its cost to exceed 3 or 4 times its initial price. It will continue to grow as the supply of these cards gets swallowed up by meta-loving players.

One often overlooked factor is the announcement of new sets. Some previously weak cards may become powerful when combined with a new release, increasing their value in a way that can be hard to predict.

Collector Demand and Market Speculation

The role of collectors shouldn’t be ignored, either. Why is Magic the Gathering so expensive? The answer is often due to feverish demand from collectors. If the community believes a card will become the next Black Lotus, you’ll see that card being held.

This lowers the supply on the secondhand market, increasing the price, again reducing the supply…creating a seemingly endless loop.

Many cards don’t even see competitive play–they are just purchased for investment purposes. As with any investment, it’s vital to thoroughly do your research if you want to risk speculating on future cards.

Premium Products and Special Editions

Wizards of the Coast, the game’s creator, has mastered the art of premium releases. Countless limited-run cards are incredibly valuable on the secondhand market.

One such example is the Secret Lair releases, offering a handful of cards centered around a theme. Secret Lair - Introducing Kaito Shizuki features cards centered around a Planeswalker, while Secret Lair - Culture Shocks: Grixis offers new multi-color land options.

Beyond these pre-packaged products, you should also be on the lookout for special editions of cards. Foil, extended art, and borderless versions of popular cards, like Gemstone Caverns (LTC-364) or Herald of Eternal Dawn (FDN-423), tend to rise in value.

More Affordable Ways to Enjoy MTG

If you’re just learning how to get into Magic the Gathering, here’s the excellent news: you don’t have to empty your entire bank account just to play. There are plenty of formats made for lower budgets that are just as fun as more expensive options.

Limited Draft formats often cost just $20 at your local card shop, letting you keep cards from a given set and try out new strategies outside the given meta. The unofficial Pauper format, containing only Common rarity cards, also offers budget-friendly fun.

Cost-Effective Deckbuilding Strategies

The best deck-building players know that creating powerful strategies isn’t about opening your wallet. You can often achieve a similar game plan with cheaper options. Plus, learning how to make “less efficient” cards work will help you learn how to get better at MTG. The more you can do with less, the better player you can become.

For example, say you are choosing between two removal cards. One costs $5 for 4 copies, while the other costs $30.

The more expensive version may give you more utility. But if you can still stop your opponent’s creature cards most of the time, adding the cheaper option to your deck is okay. The cardinal rule is that you can get around 80-90% of a card’s value with a more affordable option.

Alternatives to Buying Expensive Singles

Beyond buying expensive singles, there are other ways to build your decks.

Pre-built decks, especially MTG commander decks, are a great way to start playing the game. They’ll give you everything you need to learn a strategy and contend with counterplay, helping you learn Magic holistically.

Investing in sealed products can also help you find rare cards–even if you don’t use them directly, you can always trade them later.

Additionally, look for communities of Magic players. Often, you can swap cards with them for free, such as trading your rare Green card away to get a better Blue card for your mill deck.

Shop at Danireon for Budget-Friendly MTG Cards!

In this post-pandemic world, it seems like Magic the Gathering gets more expensive by the day.

But the truth is, things don’t have to be that bleak. There’s a trading card game store in North America with competitive pricing and a diverse inventory that can help you build the deck you desire.

Danireon is your one-stop shop for single cards and sealed MTG products. We feature cards and products from all the latest set releases, including MTG pre-orders with bulk discounts and price guarantees.

You’ll find all those rare releases that have seemingly disappeared off the shelves of big box retailers. Secret Lair cards, Promo releases, and Borderless singles are easy to find here.

Plus, when you shop with Danireon, you do so confidently. We offer an authenticity guarantee backed by our years of experience, premium packaging for safe transport, and speedy shipping to ensure your cards arrive with plenty of time to spare before your next Friday Night Magic.

You’ll also find high-quality MTG accessories, including Toploader binders, to help you protect your rare investments.

And if you’re ready to trade in your cards, we maintain a comprehensive buy list to help you recoup your investment.

Closing Thoughts on the Most Expensive MTG Card

Magic the Gathering has a reputation as one of the most expensive TCGs.

That reputation is partially for good reason–some of the most expensive MTG cards sell for millions.

But for the average player, getting into Magic is much more affordable. Commander decks sell for around $50, while the Pauper format offers plenty of fun for cheap.

Whether you’re hunting for commons to fill out your Pauper decks or the rarest cards, you’ll want to check out Danireon. We have a diverse inventory of MTG products from all the latest releases. We pair it with friendly service and speedy shipping to help you grow your collection.

We also maintain a friendly, free Discord server to help you connect with other players. So, if you want to build your decks and save money, visit our online store today!