Magic: The Gathering values & graded prices
Magic has the deepest secondary market of any TCG. Reserved List cards (Black Lotus, Moxen, dual lands) are pure investment plays. Modern-era chase cards (The One Ring, Sheoldred, MH3 mythics) reward BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 grading. We pull daily comps for every set on PriceCharting.
Chase cards by set
Reserved List — the blue chips
Modern staples worth grading
Universes Beyond & recent chase
Set-by-set price guides
Grading notes for Magic: The Gathering
MTG collectors overwhelmingly favor BGS 9.5 (Black Label 10s are rare and command huge premiums). PSA is gaining ground on modern, but for vintage Reserved List cards, BGS remains the standard. CGC is a distant third. Sleeve damage on the black border is the biggest 9.5-vs-10 differentiator — check corners under strong light before submitting. Grading math still applies: raw + grading fee + 13% sale fee vs. the graded comp.
Magic: The Gathering grading FAQ
Should I grade my MTG cards with PSA or BGS?
For vintage (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised Reserved List), BGS 9.5 has the strongest resale market. For modern chase cards like The One Ring or MH2/MH3 mythics, PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 both work — check current comps on the card page before choosing.
What's the most valuable Magic: The Gathering card?
Alpha Black Lotus is the top of the market — BGS 9.5 copies have sold for over $500,000. Beta and Unlimited Lotuses trade in the tens of thousands. See live comps on the card page.
Are Universes Beyond cards worth grading?
The One Ring and select Lord of the Rings mythics have shown strong PSA 10 spreads. Most Universes Beyond commons and uncommons are not worth grading. Always check the raw-vs-PSA-10 spread on the card page first.
Do people grade Commander (EDH) cards?
Rarely — Commander cards are usually played, not graded. Exceptions: high-value staples like original Sol Ring, foil Command Tower promos, and limited-print promos.