“This isn’t a joke,” declares the introductory line in an eBay listing that popped up bright and early on New Year’s Day. The seller, going by the username thelotusvale, has unveiled what might just be one of the most awe-inspiring collections of Magic: The Gathering cards ever seen on the platform. “What’s up for grabs is a set of first edition APs,” the description describes. “Some might refer to them as Beta APs. Building this collection has been a two-decade-long adventure. I was fortunate enough to start before they became nearly impossible to track down.”
Initially highlighted by Wargamer, this remarkable set features 302 “Alpha” cards. These rare pieces are early art proofs of the original MTG cards and notably lack back illustrations. They were distributed in limited numbers to illustrators by Wizards of the Coast for them to sign and sell, which makes these cards purely collectable rather than playable. Each card in the set, totaling 302, bears a signature, with the majority boasting the more desirable glossy back. For the 22 cards with a matte back, the seller points out that they should be treated as placeholders until a glossy version is found—if such versions are still out there.
Moreover, every card includes artwork recreated by its original artist, aside from 11 exceptions. These exceptions come with an additional unsigned card featuring recreation art by other artists. “I chose those artists specifically because they were part of the original MTG team, personally acquainted with [the card’s original designer], and weren’t represented in this edition. I also requested them to cleverly incorporate a ‘Q’ somewhere in their art. They obliged, some more discreetly than others. One even necessitates a black light to spot.”
At the end of the listing, a short FAQ section outlines that the seller is not willing to separate the set, except when it comes to the Black Lotus card, famed both for its rarity and the controversies surrounding it. The seller is ready to travel anywhere within the United States to facilitate this multi-million dollar transaction and would consider trading for other collector’s edition sets.
The journey to compile this collection has been described by the seller as not only costly but also rather extraordinary. Reflecting on the experience, they shared, “I’ve had the privilege of meeting collectors globally and collaborating with a host of amazing artists. The bonds I’ve formed with both communities are something I will always cherish.”
So, if you happen to have $2.2 million to spare, this unique collection could be yours. If not, you might want to keep an eye out to see where this slice of gaming history lands next.
