Today, there are many popular card games. Among them, the most popular are MTG, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and others. These card games are very viral due to their various mechanics and variability. But these are not the only things that make card games popular among fans.
MTGs and other TCGs are also great collectables. Many of the MTG cards are valuable to collectors. This may be due to many reasons. Among them are the uniqueness, rarity, and condition of the cards.
In our article, we will tell you all about the factors that set the MTG cards value. We will also tell you about how you can evaluate your card. And you will also know how to sell your cards to other players properly.
Read our article to the end so that your MTG cards always remain fair in price. And you could successfully manage your collection.
How Is The Value Of Magic Cards Determined?
The preferences of the players determine the value of trading cards. Most often, the value of any card is determined by the gaming community or collectors. The rule for setting the MTG cards value is quite simple: "The more players like the card and buy it, the more valuable it is." But this rule does not work with all items. It’s because often-bought cards can become just "chase" ones. Such collectables are not valuable. The difference between chase and popular valuable cards is the number and uniqueness. The fewer copies, the more valuable the card.
Also, special grading organizations are important in establishing the Magic cards value.
Professional grading services, such as PSA or BGS, can assign a grade to a card based on its condition. The grading scale typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being a perfect card and 1 being a heavily damaged card. Cards that receive high grades, such as 9 or 10, are typically worth more.
Also, professional grading services may assign a letter grade. It's centering. It refers to how well the card's artwork is centered within its borders. Cards that have better centering are generally more valuable. The letter grade typically ranges from A to D.
"A" indicates perfect centering, and "D" indicates a very poor state.
Factors That Affect The Value Of Magic: The Gathering Cards
Magic: The Gathering is a collectable card game that has been popular for more than 25 years. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the value of certain cards can fluctuate greatly. And some cards can cost thousands of dollars. Many factors affect the Magic card's value. And understanding these factors can help make informed decisions about:
- Buying;
- Selling trading cards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the value of Magic: The Gathering cards can be highly volatile. And the prices can fluctuate greatly over time. A card that is highly valuable today may lose value in the future. And a relatively cheap card today may become highly sought after in the years to come.
1. Rarity
Rarity is one of the primary factors that affect the value of Magic: The Gathering cards. Each card is printed with a certain number. Some cards are usually printed in smaller quantities than others. Cards printed in smaller numbers are rarer and thus more valuable. For example, the Black Lotus card from the game's first set, Alpha, was in a very limited quantity. And it is now one of the most valuable cards in the game.
2. Condition
Condition is another key factor in determining the value of a Magic card. Cards in pristine condition are generally more valuable than damaged ones. Even slight imperfections, like slight creases or scratches, can reduce the value. Cards graded by a professional grading service can often command higher prices. It's due to their pristine condition.
3. Demand
Demand is a third factor that affects the value of Magic: The Gathering cards. Certain cards may be in higher demand. It can be due to their:
- Usefulness in gameplay;
- Their rarity;
- Their popularity among players and collectors.
As demand for a card increases, the value of Magic cards often follows suit. For example, the Jace, the Mind Sculptor card from the Worldwake set, was highly sought after. It's due to its utility in gameplay, and its value soared.
4. Cultural Aspect
The cultural aspect is another vital factor affecting MTG cards' value. The game has a rich history and culture developed throughout its 25-year existence. Some cards have become iconic symbols of the game. And they are highly prized by collectors due to their cultural significance. For example, the Mox cards from the game's early sets are often symbols of the game's early days.
5. Other Factors
Other factors can also play a role in determining the Magic: The Gathering card value. The art on a card can affect its value. Some cards feature particularly striking or memorable artwork. The power level of a card in gameplay can also influence its value. Some powerful cards are often more sought after than weaker ones. And, of course, the game's popularity can affect the value of cards. Cards often become more valuable as the game's player base grows.
How To Determine The Value Of Your Magic: The Gathering Cards
Knowing the value of your Magic: The Gathering (MTG) cards can be important for several reasons:
- Trading. If you want to trade your MTGs with other players, knowing their value can help you negotiate a fair trade. You can ensure you're not trading away valuable cards for ones that aren't worth as much;
- Selling. Knowing value can help you set a reasonable price if you're looking to sell your MTG cards. This can help you get a fair price for your cards and ensure you're not selling them for less than they're worth;
- Building decks. When building a new deck, knowing the value helps make informed decisions about what cards to include. You can ensure you're not using valuable cards in a deck that doesn't suit them;
- Insurance. Knowing the value can be vital for insurance if you have a valuable collection of MTG cards. This can help you ensure that your collection is properly insured in case of damage or theft.
If you're an MTG player, collector, or investor, knowing the value of your cards is essential. Determining the Magic: The Gathering card value can be challenging. It's because prices can vary widely depending on several factors. In this part, we'll go over the key steps you need to take to determine your Magic cards' value accurately.
1. Research Recent Sales
The first step in determining the value of your Magic cards is to research recent sales of similar cards. Online marketplaces such as MTGPrice, TCGplayer, and Card Kingdom are valuable resources. Look for completed sales of cards in a similar condition to yours, and take note of the final sale price. You can also search for recent sales on social media platforms. Use Facebook, Reddit, and auction sites like Heritage Auctions or eBay auctions.
2. Check Price Guides
Another valuable resource for determining the Magic: The Gathering card value is price guides. Price guides such as Scryfall or MTGGoldfish provide a range of card prices. It's based on their rarity, condition, and popularity. These guides can be a helpful starting point. But remember that they are not always accurate and may not reflect the current market value of your cards. It's best to use price guides as a reference rather than relying solely on them.
3. Consider The Card's Rarity
The rarity of a Magic card can have a significant impact on its value. Generally, the rarer a card is, the more valuable it is likely to be. There are four levels of rarity in Magic: The Gathering: common, uncommon, rare, and mythic rare. Mythic rare cards are the rarest and most valuable. Then go rare cards, uncommon cards, and finally, common cards.
4. Evaluate The Card's Condition
The condition of your cards can also significantly impact Magic: The Gathering card value. Cards that are in mint or near-mint condition are generally worth more. Avoid leading to signs of wear and tear, such as creases, dings, or fading. Inspect your cards carefully for any signs of damage or wear. This can significantly affect their value.
5. Consider The Card's Demand Finally
Finally, it's essential to consider the demand for your Magic cards. Some cards are more in demand than others, which can impact their value. Cards currently popular in the game's meta or used in popular decks are likely to be more in demand. Keep up with the latest news and trends in the Magic community to get an idea of which cards are in high demand.
How To Sell Magic: The Gathering Cards
Knowing how to sell your Magic: The Gathering cards is important for several reasons:
- Maximizing your profits. With knowledge, you can get the best possible price for a card. Using the right sales channels, negotiating with buyers, and pricing your cards appropriately ensures you're getting the most money for your cards;
- Avoiding scams. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there. They try to take advantage of people selling MTG cards. Knowing how to sell your cards safely and securely helps to avoid scams;
- Making room for new cards. If you're an avid MTG player, you may need to sell some of your cards to make room for new ones. Knowing how to sell cards helps clear out your collection. And it helps make space for new cards that you're interested in.
Selling MTG cards can be a lucrative way to make extra cash or free up space in your collection. But finding the right buyer and negotiating a fair price can be challenging.
In this block, we'll go over the key steps you need to take to sell your Magic cards successfully.
1. Determine The Value Of Your Magic Cards
The first step in selling Magic cards is to determine their value. You can use online resources such as TCGplayer, Card Kingdom, or MTG Stocks. With them, you can get an idea of how much your cards are worth. Keep in mind that the condition of your cards will impact their value. So be sure to assess their condition carefully.
2. Finding A Buyer
Once you know how much your cards are worth, it's time to find a buyer. There are several options available for selling Magic cards. It includes online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook groups, or local game stores. If you decide to sell your cards online, make sure to factor in shipping costs and fees. They are usually associated with the platform you use. If you sell to a local game store, be prepared to accept a lower price.
3. Negotiating Fair Prices
When you have found a buyer, it's time to negotiate a fair price. Be prepared to haggle a bit. But remember that you don't want to sell your cards for less than the actual Magic: The Gathering card value. If you sell to a local game store, don't be afraid to shop around. And get quotes from many stores to ensure you get the best price.
4. Prepare Your Cards For Sale
Once you have agreed on a price with the buyer, it's time to prepare your cards for sale. If you are selling online, take high-quality photos of the cards. And provide accurate descriptions of their condition. If you are selling in person, ensure the cards are organized and easy to access for the buyer.
5. Complete The Sale
When you have prepared your cards for sale, it's time to complete the transaction. For online, make sure to package the cards securely and ship them after you get the payment. If you are selling in person, check the payment carefully and provide a receipt to the buyer.
Conclusion
As a result, MTG cards are valuable collectibles. The right selection of cards can bring in many thousands of dollars during resale. But you need to consider many factors, such as the condition, rarity, and uniqueness of the card. It is they who provide the high price of the MTG card. Use our detailed guide. With it, you can get all the knowledge you need to profit most from selling cards.
FAQ
What Is The Value Of Magic: The Gathering Cards?
The value of Magic: The Gathering cards can vary. It depends on a variety of factors. It can be their rarity, condition, popularity, and current demand in the market.
How Much Are Old Magic: The Gathering Cards Worth?
Older Magic: The Gathering cards can be worth a lot of money, especially if they are rare or in high demand. Some older cards from the early sets can sell for thousands of dollars. But the value depends on its specific characteristics and the current market conditions.
Can I Buy Black Lotus?
Yes, you can buy this one. But this card is too hard to find online. This is due to the fact that it is the rarest MTG card. Also, the price of the card is high enough to buy. Its average price is about $200,000 - $300,000.