The 15 Most Valuable Retro Frame Secret Lair Cards
In the newest edition of Secret Lair Delver, let’s take a look at the most valuable Secret Lair cards that boast a retro frame, which is clearly the superior look for all Magic cards.
Most of these cards are likely solid buys right now, as even if they get reprinted, they will never feature some of these one-off artworks again, nor are they as likely to be found in the beloved retro frame again.
Mox Tantalite - $19.83
One of the most iconic Magic artists ever, Dan Frazier, is responsible for the art of over half of the cards on this list. Due to having multiple Secret Lairs based around his artwork related to highly played cards like lesser Moxen, Talismans, and Signets, it’s no surprise to see a Mox kick off the list (as well as be the #1 card herein… read on to explore).
Talisman of Progress - $20.41
The Azorius Talisman with artwork by Mr. Frazier showcases a beautiful, jeweled brooch in front of a collection of dusty tomes. If that ain’t classic Magic art, I don’t know what is.
Arcane Signet - $22.42
While this Commander staple gets a reprint in each new Commander set nowadays, this version features all five original Moxen (Pearl, Sapphire, Jet, Ruby, Emerald) in its artwork.
Rakdos Signet - $22.91
This Rakdos-colored mana rock boasts artwork from Mr. Moxen himself again, Dan Frazier. This extremely striking image shows what looks like a creature’s skull (that’s not Fblthp…right?) turned into a bejeweled tchotchke on a vintage Magic-style background. Stunning, and a bargain at under $23.
Nekusar, the Mindrazer - $23.38
Want to punish your opponents for their rapacious card-drawing strategies? Do I have the commander for you! This retro frame Zombie Wizard is from the “Zippy Zombies” Secret Lair bonus sheet found in various 2024 Secret Lair Drops, along with other cards herein.
Headless Rider - $23.82
Another Zippy Zombie bonus sheet card provides Zombie fans with a Rotlung Reanimator that procs for their preferred creature type, not just Clerics. Awesome “Sleepy Hollow-esque” art from E.M. Gist looks terrific on this card’s eye-catching retro frame.
Talisman of Indulgence - $28.60
Another Rakdos mana rock, this one is likely the superior option – especially in Commander, where one life is a far cheaper price to pay than one colorless mana.
Narset, Parter of Veils - $29.79
There’s something special about retro frame planeswalkers, as there’s only 11 such cards that exist. The most valuable one by far is Narset, a classic card-draw hoser that looks terrific in her retro frame with unique art from Alex Horley-Orlandelli.
Diabolic Tutor - $29.90
With artwork by Brain Dead that was only available as a giveaway at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con via an event run by the collective, this reprint of the
| Mox Tantalite (Retro Frame) (Foil Etched) | ||
| Talisman of Progress (Retro Frame) | ||
| Arcane Signet (589) | ||
| Rakdos Signet | ||
| Nekusar, the Mindrazer (Retro Frame) | ||
| Headless Rider (Retro Frame) | ||
| Talisman of Indulgence (Retro Frame) | ||
| Narset, Parter of Veils (Retro Frame) | ||
| Diabolic Tutor (SDCC 2022 Exclusive) |
Talisman of Creativity - $34.21
Talisman of Dominance - $39.97
Not unsurprisingly, the two most valuable Talismans on this list with Dan Frazier arts are those found in Grixis colors – three of the most popular and powerful colors across a variety of Magic formats.
Both of these cards are stunning achievements from Frazier, but the more valuable Dimir-producing Talisman of Dominance is this writer’s personal favorite. Showcasing a beautifully mysterious and shiny bauble on a sterile marble pedestal, it’s no wonder this is Frazier’s most valuable Secret Lair Talisman at nearly $40.
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed - $82.11
Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver - $93.60
Rot Hulk - $97.23
These three powerhouse Zombies were all much harder to find than some of the others on the Zippy Zombies bonus sheet, as their price points convey. While Mikaeus is a powerhouse combo enabler and Wilhelt is the top Zombie commander by a mile on EDHREC, it’s actually Rot Hulk that is the most valuable at nearly $100… which is wild, since the
Mox Opal - $273.76
In a list dominated by Dan Frazier artworks, it’s no surprise that the “man behind the Moxen” headlines the list as well, with a card that could also qualify for a list of the most valuable Secret Lair cards overall. As one of the best modern Moxen, Mox Opal remains a top-tier mana accelerator and deserving of a near-$300 price point for this beautiful version.
| Talisman of Creativity (Retro Frame) | ||
| Talisman of Dominance (Retro Frame) | ||
| Mikaeus, the Unhallowed (Retro Frame) | ||
| Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver (Retro Frame) | ||
| Rot Hulk (Retro Frame) | ||
| Mox Opal (Retro Frame) (Foil Etched) |
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Chris Guest
Chris is a writer, editor, musician, Pokémon master, and Magic player based in Chattanooga. Currently a contributor to EDHREC, MTGStocks, and Cardsphere, he has written for a variety of outlets in the past including: Commander's Herald, TheGamer, Destructoid, Soaring Down South, AudioPhix, ClutchPoints, and CBR.
