Are White Bordered Magic Cards Worth Anything?

A white border on a Magic card tells you that it’s a reprint! Specifically, it was printed in one of the Core Sets between the Unlimited and Ninth Edition sets. This means that the card was originally printed in an earlier set, like Alpha or Beta, and then reprinted in a later Core Set.

But there’s a little twist to this story! Initially, Revised cards were meant to have gray borders. This was even announced in an early issue of The Duelist. However, when the cards were printed, they ended up with white borders just like the Unlimited Edition cards. So, if you see a card with a white border, it could be from Revised or Unlimited, as they both share this same border style.

Think of it like this: white borders are like a “reprint badge” for those early Core Sets. It’s a fun little detail for collectors and players who appreciate the history of Magic: The Gathering. It shows that the card has been around for a while and has been a part of the game’s evolution.

You can easily tell if a Magic card is rare or mythic rare by looking at the expansion set symbol. Almost all Magic cards have an expansion set symbol that helps you identify its rarity. The color of this symbol tells you what rarity the card is:

Common: Black
Uncommon: Silver
Rare: Gold
Mythic Rare: Orange-red/Bronze

The expansion set symbol is usually located in the bottom right corner of the card. It will typically have the name of the set and a symbol that represents the rarity of the card.

It’s important to note that not all cards in a set are created equal. Mythic rares are the rarest cards in a set, followed by rares, uncommons, and commons. The rarity of a card can have a significant impact on its value. Rare and mythic rare cards are generally more valuable than commons and uncommons, especially if they are in high demand.

For example, a rare card from a popular set like *Alpha* or *Beta* can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, a common card from the same set might only be worth a few cents. The value of a Magic card is determined by a number of factors, including its rarity, condition, and demand.

So, if you’re looking to buy or sell Magic cards, it’s important to understand the rarity of each card. Knowing the rarity of a card can help you determine its value and make informed decisions about buying and selling.

Magic: The Gathering stopped using white borders on cards with the release of Tenth Edition, which came out in 2007. Ninth Edition, released in 2003, was the last set to feature white borders. You might be wondering about the premium foil cards in Ninth Edition, which did have black borders. But those were a special case and shouldn’t be taken as the standard for the entire set.

So, why did Wizards of the Coast make the switch to black borders? The simple answer is to improve the overall look of the cards. Black borders create a more modern and visually appealing aesthetic, which makes them stand out on the table. Plus, black borders help to make the card art look better and more vibrant. This transition was met with mixed reactions from the Magic community, with some fans lamenting the loss of the classic white borders. However, most players eventually came to appreciate the change and accepted the new look.

The switch to black borders also marked a significant shift in the way Wizards of the Coast approached the design and production of Magic cards. This change reflects a commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging for its players. You can check out the different editions of Magic cards and their color borders on various online resources like the official Magic website or the Magic wiki.

Magic sets can be separated into two types: expansion sets and Core Sets. Core Sets are released annually. Before the 6th Edition, these sets were released every two years. Core Sets printed before the 6th Edition have white borders and do not have an expansion symbol.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into the world of Core Sets and their white borders. You might be wondering why Core Sets have white borders while expansion sets have black borders. It’s all part of a design evolution! Early Magic: The Gathering sets featured white borders to help distinguish them from other card games. The transition to black borders in 6th Edition signaled a shift towards a more modern and streamlined design.

Interestingly, the use of white borders isn’t just a thing of the past. There are a few special sets that have brought back the white borders! For example, the “From the Vault” series, which features nostalgic reprints of classic cards, uses white borders to pay homage to their origins. These sets often include cards from early Core Sets, making them a great way to experience the vintage Magic aesthetic. So, while white borders are no longer the standard for Magic sets, they remain a part of the game’s history and continue to appear in special releases!

White borders on playing cards serve a practical purpose: they protect the artwork. Think of them as a protective shield around the beautiful images and designs on each card. Over time, cards get shuffled, dealt, and handled a lot, which can lead to wear and tear. The white border acts as a buffer, preventing the edges of the artwork from getting scuffed, faded, or damaged.

This is particularly important for high-quality playing cards, especially the ones used in casinos or for serious card games. They need to withstand frequent use and maintain their visual appeal for as long as possible. Without the white border, the artwork would be more vulnerable to damage, and the cards would lose their aesthetic value much faster.

So, while the specific design of the artwork might influence the presence or absence of a white border, the primary reason for their inclusion is to preserve the card’s beauty and functionality over time. This simple design element plays a crucial role in ensuring the cards remain enjoyable and playable for years to come.

You’re looking for those rare cards, right? Let’s dive into the world of card collecting and learn how to spot those special cards!

You’ll see different symbols on cards to indicate their rarity. A circle marks a common card, a diamond tells you the card is uncommon, and a star means it’s a rare card. But wait, there’s more! There are also unique symbols that signal ultra rare cards. These ultra-rare cards can be hard to find, which makes them super exciting for collectors!

So, when you’re browsing through your card collection, be sure to keep an eye out for those rarity symbols. They’ll help you identify the rare and ultra rare cards that are true treasures. Remember, sometimes a simple symbol can unlock a whole world of value and excitement!

Let’s break down those ultra-rare symbols a bit more. These symbols can be tiny icons or larger, more intricate designs that are usually placed near the bottom of the card. They can also be different colors to further enhance their uniqueness. Sometimes, you might see a combination of symbols, which indicates a particularly special card.

Think of these ultra-rare symbols as secret codes for collectors. They signify that the card you’re holding is truly special and could be very valuable. It’s like finding a hidden treasure! So, keep your eyes peeled and who knows what you might discover!

You’re asking about the rarest Magic card types, and that’s a fascinating question! While some cards are incredibly valuable, like Mox Sapphire, Vesuvan Doppelganger, and Time Walk, it’s not always about the price tag. Rarity is determined by how many copies of a card were printed.

The rarest cards are often found in early sets like Alpha and Beta. These sets were produced in smaller quantities, and some cards were printed with errors or variations that make them highly sought-after. Copy Artifact, Lord of the Pit, and Mox Jet are just a few examples of cards that are prized for their rarity and impact on gameplay.

Now, let’s talk about the rarest card type in Magic. You’re probably thinking about the “Power Nine”. These are nine cards, Black Lotus, Mox Pearl, Mox Sapphire, Mox Ruby, Mox Jet, Mox Emerald, Ancestral Recall, Time Walk, and Timetwister, that are highly sought-after because they were only printed in the Alpha and Beta sets. They are incredibly powerful and were never reprinted in later sets. Because they’re so rare and influential, they have the highest market value among Magic cards.

It’s important to understand that the “Power Nine” aren’t the only rare cards. There are plenty of others with unique features that drive their value. For example, some cards have misprints, alternate art, or even have been signed by the artists who created them. All these factors can make a card extremely rare. It’s really fascinating how something like a card game can have such a complex market!

One way to check if a Magic card is real is to use the light test. Shine an LED light behind the card. If the card is genuine, the light will shine through, and you’ll see a blue tint in the center due to the blue glue used in real Magic cards. If you can’t see any light passing through, you’ve likely got a fake card.

The blue tint you see with the light test is a result of a special glue used in the manufacturing process of real Magic cards. This blue glue is applied to the center of the card, where the different layers of the card are bonded together. The glue is designed to be translucent, meaning light can pass through it, but it also has a slightly blue color. This blue tint is unique to real Magic cards and is a reliable indicator that the card is genuine.

The light test isn’t foolproof, though. Some counterfeiters have become quite sophisticated and can produce cards that mimic the blue tint of real cards. However, the light test is still a good first step in checking a card’s authenticity, especially when combined with other verification methods.

There are other methods you can use to verify the authenticity of a Magic card. These methods, however, require more time and effort than the light test. For example, you can compare the card you have to a known good card to check for differences in texture, printing quality, and card thickness. You can also examine the card for any flaws or imperfections that might indicate it’s fake.

By following the tips described above, you can increase your confidence in identifying genuine Magic cards and avoid purchasing fakes.

Magic cards come in a variety of border colors. Let’s take a look at each one!

Black borders are the most common and are used for standard Magic cards that are legal in most formats. White borders are used for cards that are legal in Vintage and Legacy formats, but not in Modern or Standard.

Silver borders are used for cards in Un-sets. Un-sets are parody sets that feature alternate rules and mechanics, like Unglued, Unhinged, and Unstable. Un-sets are not legal in any official Magic formats.

Gold borders are used for promotional cards, which are often given out at events or as part of special promotions. Gold bordered cards are not legal in any official Magic formats. These cards are often unique and collectible, and can be very valuable.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into the Un-sets. As mentioned, these sets feature alternate rules and mechanics that make them a unique and fun addition to any Magic collection. For example, Unglued features cards that break the usual rules of Magic, like cards that can be played from your graveyard or cards that can only be played on your opponent’s turn. Unhinged features cards that are more focused on humor, with cards that have silly names and abilities. Unstable features cards that are inspired by the internet and popular culture.

Even though Un-sets are not legal in any official Magic formats, they can still be a lot of fun to play with. They are also a great way to learn more about the game and explore different ways to play.

You’re right, the story of white-bordered Magic cards is fascinating! It’s a bit of a side story, but it’s worth exploring.

Here’s the short version: Wizards of the Coast decided that all reprinted cards should have white borders. This seemed like a good idea at the time, but it quickly became a source of confusion and frustration for players. Let me tell you why.

Imagine you’re a Magic player who loves collecting cards. You’re thrilled to find a reprint of your favorite card, a Black Lotus maybe, and you excitedly add it to your collection. But wait, this reprint is white-bordered! Does it still hold the same value as the original, black-bordered version? It’s a valid question and one that Wizards of the Coast quickly realized had no easy answer.

The problem was that players weren’t sure what to make of these white-bordered cards. Were they just budget reprints for casual play? Or were they intended to be replacements for the originals, even in tournaments? The lack of clarity caused a lot of confusion and even some anger among the community.

It was a tough situation for Wizards of the Coast. They’d made a change, but it wasn’t working as planned. The white border was a constant reminder of the decision and the complications it caused. It’s safe to say that white borders became a contentious topic in the Magic community, and it’s a story that still sparks debate today.

I hope this sheds some light on the story of white-bordered cards! It’s a reminder that sometimes, even the best-intentioned decisions don’t always work out as expected. And sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right path.

You might have noticed that many Magic: The Gathering cards have a gold border. This is a design choice that has been around for quite a while, and it serves a few different purposes.

Originally, the gold border was used to distinguish promotional cards from those that were tournament legal. These early promotional cards were often given out at events, and they were not intended for competitive play. The gold border helped players quickly identify these cards and avoid using them in official tournaments.

In 1996, Wizards of the Coast began using a gold border to identify cards that were specifically pro player versions, also known as autographed cards. These cards featured the signature of a professional Magic: The Gathering player printed in gold on the front of the card. These cards were also not intended for tournament play. This was partly because the autograph could potentially be damaged during play.

Since then, gold borders have been used for other types of promotional cards as well. For example, some cards have been printed with gold borders to commemorate special events or anniversaries.

The gold border serves as a visual cue for players to recognize these types of cards, and it helps to differentiate them from the regular cards that are meant for tournament play. While the gold border is usually used to indicate that a card is not meant for tournaments, there are some exceptions. Some sets, such as “Eternal Masters”, have been printed with gold borders and can be played in tournaments.

However, you can’t just take a regular card and slap a gold border on it and call it a pro player version, or a tournament legal card. There is a reason for the gold border on these cards, and it has to do with distinguishing them from other types of Magic cards.

You’re asking a great question about white border cards! These cards were printed in earlier Magic: The Gathering sets and are distinguished by their white borders. While they’re not printed in the latest sets, they can still be used in some formats!

Here’s the breakdown: White border cards are legal in current formats if they share the same English name as a card that is legal in the format. For example, a white border Giant Growth from the 6th Edition set would be legal because a Giant Growth was reprinted in the Return to Ravnica set. This means that as long as a card with the same name and effect was printed in a legal set, the older white border version is also good to go.

Think of it like this: Imagine you have a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. You can use the original recipe, or a newer version that has the same ingredients and steps, and you’ll still end up with delicious cookies. It’s the same idea with Magic cards. The white border cards are like the original recipes – they might be older, but they’re still valid!

Here’s what’s important to keep in mind:

White border cards were printed in older sets, primarily in core sets (the sets that introduce new players to Magic) before the “Expert” sets were introduced.
White border cards are not always legal in all formats. You need to check the specific rules for each format to see if white border cards are allowed. For example, white border cards are generally not legal in Modern or Legacy formats, but they might be legal in Vintage or Commander formats.
White border cards don’t have to be in English to be legal. If you find a card in another language, but it’s the same card name as a legal English version, then it’s still playable!

The best way to find out if a white border card is legal in a specific format is to consult the official Magic: The Gathering website or a comprehensive rulebook. Remember, you can always check with your local game store or your playgroup for clarification if you’re ever unsure.

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