How do you tell if a Magic card is revised or unlimited?
Magic: The Gathering is a popular trading card game that has been around for decades, with millions of cards printed and collected by enthusiasts worldwide. One of the key challenges for collectors and players is determining whether a card is a Revised Edition or an Unlimited Edition. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two versions and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to identify them.
What is a Revised Edition?
The Revised Edition was the first core set to be printed, released in 1994. It consisted of 306 cards, including 15 basic lands, 75 commons, 95 uncommons, and 121 rares. The Revised Edition was designed to be a more refined version of the original Alpha and Beta sets, with some cards removed and others added to balance the game.
Key Features of Revised Edition Cards:
• Flat black inner border: Revised Edition cards have a flat black inner border, which distinguishes them from Unlimited Edition cards.
• No set symbol: Unlike other core sets, Revised Edition cards do not have a set symbol on the card face.
• Artist credit with no date: The artist credit on Revised Edition cards includes the year "1994" before the artist’s name.
What is an Unlimited Edition?
The Unlimited Edition was printed after the Revised Edition and features a similar card pool, but with some differences. It was released in 1993, alongside the Alpha and Beta sets, and is considered a more rare and valuable version of the game.
Key Features of Unlimited Edition Cards:
• Beveled inner border: Unlimited Edition cards have a beveled inner border, which is different from the flat black inner border of Revised Edition cards.
• Set symbol: Unlimited Edition cards have a set symbol on the card face, indicating which set the card belongs to.
• Artist credit with date: The artist credit on Unlimited Edition cards includes the date "1993" before the artist’s name.
How to Identify Revised and Unlimited Edition Cards:
To determine whether a card is a Revised Edition or an Unlimited Edition, follow these steps:
- Check the inner border: If the card has a flat black inner border, it’s likely a Revised Edition. If it has a beveled inner border, it’s likely an Unlimited Edition.
- Look for the set symbol: If the card has a set symbol on the face, it’s likely an Unlimited Edition. If there is no set symbol, it’s likely a Revised Edition.
- Check the artist credit: If the artist credit includes the year "1994", it’s likely a Revised Edition. If the artist credit includes the date "1993", it’s likely an Unlimited Edition.
Table: Revised and Unlimited Edition Cards
| Feature | Revised Edition | Unlimited Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Inner border | Flat black | Beveled |
| Set symbol | None | Present |
| Artist credit | "1994" before artist’s name | "1993" before artist’s name |
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining whether a Magic card is a Revised Edition or an Unlimited Edition can be a daunting task, but by following the guidelines outlined above, you can confidently identify these cards. Remember to check the inner border, set symbol, and artist credit to determine which edition your card belongs to. Happy collecting and gaming!