Rod of Ruin is a 1993 artifact card from the inaugural Collectors' Edition of Magic: The Gathering, featuring a unique layout and black border design.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Collectors' Edition
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$2.53 | Guide Estimate | +17.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
Rod of Ruin represents a significant piece of Magic: The Gathering history, originating from the Collectors' Edition released in 1993. As card number 269 in this early set, it serves as a tangible link to the game's formative years. The Collectors' Edition is distinct for its black-bordered design and special layout features that differentiate it from subsequent standard releases, making cards like Rod of Ruin highly desirable for those documenting the evolution of trading card game design. In terms of gameplay, Rod of Ruin is classified as an Artifact with a mana cost of four. The card allows players to spend three mana and tap the artifact to deal one damage to any target. This mechanic highlights the strategic depth present even in the earliest iterations of Magic: The Gathering, where resource management and direct interaction were key components of the experience. Collectors often seek out cards from this era to understand the foundational rules and design philosophy that shaped the modern game. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, owning a card from the Collectors' Edition offers a unique collecting experience. These early cards are valued for their historical context and the nostalgia they evoke among long-time players. Whether you are building a vintage collection or exploring the roots of the game, Rod of Ruin provides a window into the past. By focusing on the identity and context of each card, we help ensure that the legacy of Magic: The Gathering is maintained for future generations of players and collectors alike.
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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
Rod of Ruin
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Christopher Rush
Card Stock
English
{4}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{3}, {T}: This artifact deals 1 damage to any target.
FAQ
Rod of Ruin has a mana cost of four. To activate its ability, players must spend three additional mana and tap the artifact.
Rod of Ruin is from the Collectors' Edition, released in 1993. This set is a variant of the original Alpha/Beta sets, featuring black borders and a unique layout.
Rod of Ruin is an Artifact card in Magic: The Gathering. Artifacts are permanents that represent equipment, vehicles, or other non-creature objects that provide various effects.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.