The history of The Rack, card number 72 from the 1994 Magic: The Gathering Antiquities set. This artifact offers strategic hand disruption for collectors.
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • Antiquities
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$21.36 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Released in 1994 as part of the Antiquities expansion, The Rack (card number 72) remains a defining artifact in Magic: The Gathering history. Designed by Richard Thomas, this Uncommon card introduces a unique mechanic that targets an opponent's hand size, dealing damage as the game progresses. Its ability to punish players for holding too many cards made it a staple in competitive play during the early years of the trading card game. Collectors value this piece for its role in shaping early game design and its nostalgic appeal among vintage enthusiasts. The card's straightforward yet potent effect highlights the creativity of Magic's foundational sets, making it a sought-after item for those building complete Antiquities collections or exploring the evolution of artifact strategies. Whether for completing a set or appreciating its historical impact, The Rack stands as a key component of Magic's rich legacy.
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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
The Rack
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Richard Thomas
Card Stock
English
{1}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
As this artifact enters, choose an opponent. At the beginning of the chosen player's upkeep, this artifact deals X damage to that player, where X is 3 minus the number of cards in their hand.
Invented in Mishra's earlier days, the Rack was once his most feared creation.
FAQ
The Rack is significant for introducing a hand-size-based damage mechanic that influenced early game design. It remains a nostalgic artifact for collectors who value the strategic depth of the Antiquities expansion.
Richard Thomas is the artist who designed the artwork for The Rack.
While the card was a staple in early play, its current viability depends on specific format rules and deck archetypes. Collectors often seek it for its historical value rather than its competitive potential in current meta decks.
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