A Magic: The Gathering card is now worth more than the most expensive basketball card of Michael Jordan. An Alpha Black Lotus card graded a Pristine 10 by CGC Cards has sold for a staggering $3 million. It’s the highest-selling Magic: The Gathering card of all-time.
The most expensive Michael Jordan card? His 1997-98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autographs card numbered 6/23, which fetched $2.7 million.
According to CGC Cards, the private sale took place between Adam Cai of Pristine Collectibles and an undisclosed buyer.
“This is one of the most amazing Alpha Black Lotuses I’ve ever seen,” says Cai in a media release. “It would undoubtedly be the centerpiece of anyone’s TCG collection.”
The previous all-time high of a Magic: The Gathering card was the 1/1 One Ring card pop star Post Malone bought for more than $2 million in 2023.
The Alpha Black Lotus is also the highest price ever paid for a card certified by CGC Cards.
“We graded this Alpha Black Lotus as part of a CrossOver submission in 2023, and now it’s become the highest-selling Magic card to date,” explains Matt Quinn, vice president of CGC Cards. “I am honored to have been part of this card’s journey — and to see it sell with the CGC Cards Pristine 10 label. The tremendous amount commanded by this Alpha Lotus is reflective of the trust that collectors and dealers place in CGC Cards.”
Due to its rarity and value, the Alpha Black Lotus is one of the most popular Magic: The Gathering cards. Since the Alpha Black Lotus card is more than 30 years old, it’s very hard to find in excellent condition.
Magic: The Gathering was created by Richard Garfield and first released in 1993. During the 2022 fiscal year, Magic: The Gathering exceeded $1 billion in revenue for the first time.
The Enchanting History of Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering, widely considered to be the world’s first trading card game, has captivated millions of players worldwide since its inception in 1993. The game’s rich history, spanning nearly three decades, is a testament to its enduring popularity and the dedication of its creators and fans.
The story of Magic: The Gathering begins with Richard Garfield, a mathematician and game designer. Garfield was tasked by Peter Adkison, CEO of Wizards of the Coast, to create a portable game that could be played in between sessions of their favorite tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons. Garfield’s solution was a card game that combined elements of traditional card games with the fantasy themes of D&D.
The first Magic: The Gathering set, known as Alpha, was released in August 1993. It consisted of 295 cards featuring stunning artwork and innovative gameplay mechanics. Players took on the role of powerful wizards, casting spells and summoning creatures to battle their opponents. The game’s unique “Color Wheel” system, which divided the cards into five distinct colors (White, Blue, Black, Red, and Green), each with its own strengths and weaknesses, added depth and strategy to the gameplay.
Magic: The Gathering quickly gained a devoted following, with the first ever Magic World Championship held in 1994. The game’s popularity soared, leading to the release of new card sets and expansions on a regular basis. These expansions introduced new mechanics, themes, and storylines, keeping the game fresh and exciting for players.
As the game grew, so did its influence on popular culture. Magic: The Gathering has been referenced in numerous television shows, movies, and books, cementing its status as a cultural icon. The game has also been credited with popularizing the concept of collectible card games, paving the way for numerous other titles in the genre.
Today, Magic: The Gathering remains a global phenomenon, with millions of players and countless tournaments held worldwide. The game has evolved to include digital versions, such as Magic: The Gathering Arena and Magic Online, allowing players to enjoy the game across various platforms.