The unique mechanics and history of Tetravus, card #71 from Magic: The Gathering's 1994 Antiquities expansion.
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Antiquities
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
Released in 1994 as part of the Antiquities expansion, Tetravus stands out as one of the most influential Artifact Creatures in the early history of Magic: The Gathering. Designated as card number 71 in the set, this Rare Construct was illustrated by Mark Tedin and features a mana cost of six, reflecting its significant impact on gameplay during the game's formative years. The card's enduring appeal lies in its unique recursive mechanic. As an Artifact Creature Construct, Tetravus enters the battlefield with three +1/+1 counters. Its primary ability allows the controller to remove any number of these counters to create corresponding 1/1 colorless Tetravite artifact creature tokens. These tokens possess flying and cannot be enchanted, making them difficult to remove by traditional enchantment effects. Conversely, the controller can exile those tokens to return +1/+1 counters to Tetravus, creating a sustainable loop that rewards strategic resource management. For collectors, the Antiquities set represents a pivotal era in trading card game design. Cards from this expansion are highly sought after for their historical significance and the innovative mechanics they introduced. Tetravus remains a favorite among vintage enthusiasts due to its complex interaction patterns and its role in defining the artifact synergy that would later become a cornerstone of the game's strategy. Whether you are building a comprehensive collection of the Antiquities set or seeking key pieces for competitive vintage formats, this card offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Magic.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Tetravus
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Mark Tedin
Card Stock
English
{6}
Artifact Creature — Construct
1 / 1
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Flying This creature enters with three +1/+1 counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, you may remove any number of +1/+1 counters from this creature. If you do, create that many 1/1 colorless Tetravite artifact creature tokens. They each have flying and "This token can't be enchanted." At the beginning of your upkeep, you may exile any number of tokens created with this creature. If you do, put that many +1/+1 counters on this creature.
FAQ
Tetravus has a mana cost of six mana, making it a high-cost artifact creature that requires significant mana acceleration to cast effectively in the early game.
Tetravus allows you to remove +1/+1 counters to create flying Tetravite tokens that cannot be enchanted. You can also exile those tokens to gain +1/+1 counters on Tetravus, creating a recursive loop.
The 1994 Antiquities printing of Tetravus was illustrated by Mark Tedin, whose artwork is celebrated for its distinctive fantasy aesthetic within the early Magic: The Gathering sets.
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