Back to Basics Vol 2: Chaos in the Vault
It’s no secret that basic lands come in plentiful varieties in Magic. Some are more odd than others. Knowing where to look can be critical for collecting this keystone card type in their unique varieties.
Flower Power
In September Wizards released the Flower Power drop from the Chaos Vault. Something that set this particular drop apart from others is the way it was released: unannounced with a $1 MSRP, with a one-per-customer limit. It was quickly sold out.
The majority of the lands in this drop are available for roughly $5. However, the Forest is nearly double that, currently at $10, with few listings. This is likely a representation of how quickly these cards can be absorbed out of the secondary market, and a strong indicator for the rest of the cycle.
This particular drop has been unique in several ways, complementing the whimsy featured in their art. While supplies are abundant for the majority of the cycle, that may be temporary.
Non-foil sealed sets are currently listed at roughly the equivalent of the contents' lowest market prices. Making this a good option for individuals collecting basic lands or Secret Lairs.
Portal Three Kingdoms
There are several cards from P3K that have been exceedingly scarce in the past. Even while being printed in recent sets, the original printings still hold significant value over recent versions.
With such a unique legacy, it should be no surprise that basic lands from this fabled set have also accrued value in the past two and a half decades. Only available in tournament decks and preconstructed decks, these lands were not easily acquired when they were in print, and that’s shown by their current value.
This is currently the 12th most expensive Mountain in Magic, behind two Summer Magic printings, two Alpha printings, a Guru Land, and European lands, making this P3K version in notably high standing. This is also the most expensive white-bordered Mountain, outside of Summer Magic.
The art for this particular land is stunning, being set in China, featuring art by a Chinese artist, with immense scale and subtle details. It’s simultaneously timeless while being cohesively bound to this set.
This set also contains basic lands with a low market value, although just as scarce.
These are among the most inexpensive from this expansion, and likely have the most room to grow. Sitting between $2 and $3 these appear to be stable, unique, and in limited supply, making them perfect for collecting as well as speculation.
Summer Magic
In the summer of 1994, Wizards of the Coast was rereleasing Revised, with notable changes. This product was ultimately released, and then recalled, with little product actually making it into the world.
As one of the most iconic flukes in MTG’s history it should be no surprise that this set also holds some of the games most expensive basic lands.
While these lands could be considered “grails” to collectors, for the average player they may as well not exist. However, understanding what to look for could lead to finding treasure in the bulk bin.
Conclusion
The history of this game is documented in its basic lands. From the very beginning they have been a fundamental component of the game.These examples may be outliers, unique in their own right, but there is no short supply of value and collectability in what will remain the most important card type of all time.
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Bill Bingham
Bill Bingham has spent the past decade in the throws of competitive play, travelling, and managing a collection. With expansive knowledge and deep ties to the community, he looks to share this insight. In his time away from the game, he is utilizing these problem solving skills, learning, creating, or cooking.
