The 2012 Avacyn Restored foil variant of the Vanguard's Shield card (#223) from Magic: The Gathering, featuring Ryan Pancoast's design.
2012 • Magic: The Gathering • Avacyn Restored
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.36 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 1, 2026
Designed by Ryan Pancoast, this common rarity artifact offers collectors a tangible piece of the set's artistic direction while providing strategic depth in gameplay. The foil finish adds a layer of visual appeal that distinguishes this print from the standard version, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the aesthetic details of the era. In terms of mechanics, the card functions as an Equipment that enhances the creature it is attached to. By paying a mana cost of two, players can acquire this artifact, which then grants the equipped creature a +0/+3 power and toughness boost. Beyond raw stats, the card offers a tactical advantage by allowing the creature to block an additional creature each combat turn. This ability can be crucial for board control, enabling players to defend against multiple threats simultaneously. The equip cost of three allows for strategic deployment, attaching the shield to a target creature you control during your sorcery phase. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out specific cards from the Avacyn Restored set to complete their collections or to acquire cards with special treatments like foil. The Vanguard's Shield card represents a blend of utility and style, appealing to both competitive players and casual hobbyists. Its inclusion in the set highlights the game's focus on versatile equipment options that can turn the tide of a match. For investors and long-term holders, cards from this period are valued for their historical significance in the game's evolution and their enduring utility in various formats. The flavor text, "Wars are not fought on a single front," adds a narrative layer that resonates with the card's defensive capabilities. This thematic element enhances the overall experience of collecting and playing with the card, connecting it to the broader story of the Avacyn Restored storyline. Whether you are building a deck around equipment synergies or simply appreciating the art and design, the Vanguard's Shield foil card is a noteworthy addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. The marketplace caters to collectors who value authenticity and variety, ensuring that each card is properly cataloged and presented for easy browsing.
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
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
Vanguard's Shield
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Ryan Pancoast
Card Stock
English
Foil
{2}
Artifact — Equipment
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Equipped creature gets +0/+3 and can block an additional creature each combat. Equip {3} ({3}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)
Wars are not fought on a single front.
FAQ
Vanguard's Shield is classified as an Artifact — Equipment card in Magic: The Gathering. It requires a mana cost of two to cast and has a mana value of two.
When equipped to a creature, it grants +0/+3 power and toughness and allows that creature to block an additional creature each combat. The equip ability costs three mana and can be activated only as a sorcery.
The Vanguard's Shield foil card from the 2012 Avacyn Restored set was illustrated by Ryan Pancoast, whose artwork is a defining feature of this print.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.