Grading Magic: The Gathering cards isn’t just about preserving value. It’s about celebrating the cards you love. Whether it’s a nostalgic favorite, a competitive staple, or a quirky oddity, there’s something special about seeing your favorite cards encased in a sleek, professional slab. Here’s a breakdown of the top categories of cards worth grading, from iconic staples to personal treasures.
Your Favorite Cards
Let’s start with the most important category: your personal favorites. Maybe it’s Animate Wall, the card that got you into Magic. Maybe it’s Scornful Egotist, the meme-worthy morph creature that always makes you laugh. Or maybe it’s Slippery Bogle, the hexproof hero of your favorite Modern deck. Grading isn’t just about value. It’s about preserving the cards that mean the most to you. Slab your favorites and give them the spotlight they deserve.
Dual Lands
Dual lands like Volcanic Island and Underground Sea are the backbone of competitive Magic and some of the most proxied cards in the game. They’re iconic, highly playable, and always in demand. Grading dual lands ensures they retain their condition and value, making them a smart investment for both players and collectors. Grading also helps ensure the cards are authentic. There’s something undeniably satisfying about owning a pristine copy of one of Magic’s most essential cards.
Power Nine
The Power Nine are the crown jewels of Magic. Cards like Black Lotus, Ancestral Recall, and the Moxen are not only incredibly powerful but also steeped in history. Grading these cards protects their condition and authenticity, ensuring they remain the centerpiece of any collection. Whether you’re a player, collector, or investor, a slabbed Power Nine card is the ultimate prize.
Commander
Commanders are the heart of the Commander format, and grading your favorite commander is a great way to show it off. Imagine slamming down a slabbed Ur-Dragon or Meren of Clan Nel Toth at your next game night. It’s a flex, sure, but it’s also a way to preserve a card that’s central to your deck and your playstyle.
Reserved List
The Reserved List is a promise from Wizards of the Coast that certain cards will never be printed again. This makes them highly collectible and often quite valuable. Cards like Gaea’s Cradle and Wheel of Fortune are perfect candidates for grading, as their scarcity ensures they’ll always hold a premium.
Iconic Cards and Art
Some cards are iconic not just for their gameplay but for their art and design. Birds of Paradise, Serra Angel, Shivan Dragon, and Counterspell are all examples of cards that have left a lasting mark on Magic’s history. Artists like Anato Finnstark, whose gorgeous work on the Strixhaven Demonic Tutor has become an instant classic, and Yoshitaka Amano, the legendary Final Fantasy artist behind the alternate art for Liliana, Dreadhorde General, have created some beautiful and memorable pieces.
And let’s not forget Secret Lair drops, which often feature stunning alternate art for classic cards or art that makes us laugh. These limited-edition reprints combine iconic gameplay with exciting art, making them a must-have for collectors. Whether it’s a reimagined classic or a brand-new design, these cards are perfect candidates for grading.
Oddities and Signatures
Magic is full of oddities, from signed cards to test prints to bizarre misprints. These unique pieces are highly collectible and often one of a kind. Grading them ensures their authenticity and condition, making them even more special. Whether it’s a card signed by the artist or a crimped foil, these oddities are treasures worth preserving.
Collecting
For some, collecting is about completing a set, whether it’s Alpha, Beta, or a modern masterpiece. For others, it’s about gathering every card of a certain creature type or artist. Grading these cards not only protects them but also adds a sense of accomplishment to your collection. Imagine a full set of slabbed Alpha cards or every card illustrated by your favorite artist. It’s a collector’s dream.
End Step
Grading is about more than just value. It’s about preserving the cards you love, whether they’re iconic staples, personal favorites, or quirky oddities. So, what’s in your collection that’s worth grading? Whether it’s a Power Nine card, a beloved commander, or your very first Magic card, there’s no wrong answer. Slab what you love and let your collection shine.
Haelee has been a dedicated Magic: The Gathering player since 2003, she enjoys Commander, and regularly plays with her friends. With 14 years of experience in marketing, creative writing, and a background in theater tech, she brings a unique perspective to both her gameplay and storytelling. Known for her creative mind and deep appreciation for Magic’s lore, Haelee resides in Washington state with her wife, and cats.