This 1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition card, Memory Lapse (Card Number 103), is a blue Instant spell that counters target spells.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
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$0.45 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 27, 2026
Memory Lapse, identified as Card Number 103 in the 1997 Fifth Edition set, remains a foundational piece of Magic: The Gathering history. As a blue Instant spell with a mana cost of {1}{U}, it offers players a strategic tool for controlling the board by countering an opponent's spell. Rather than destroying the targeted spell, this card returns it to the top of its owner's library, allowing for potential reuse or disruption of future draws. This mechanic highlights the clever design philosophy that defined the early years of the trading card game. Collectors value this card not only for its gameplay utility but also for its historical significance within the Fifth Edition release. Designed by artist Mark Tedin, the card represents the artistic and mechanical standards of the late 1990s, appealing to those who appreciate the era's distinct aesthetic and strategic depth. For investors and set builders, Fifth Edition cards serve as critical components in completing comprehensive collections. Memory Lapse’s straightforward yet effective design makes it a staple for those studying the game’s early interactive strategies. Whether you are looking to complete a set, add a historical artifact to your collection, or simply enjoy the strategic depth of early Magic: The Gathering, this card from the 1997 release offers enduring appeal. Its status as a Common rarity card ensures it remains a sought-after item for enthusiasts who value the complete experience of the Fifth Edition expansion.
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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
Memory Lapse
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Mark Tedin
Card Stock
English
{1}{U}
Instant
U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Counter target spell. If that spell is countered this way, put it on top of its owner's library instead of into that player's graveyard.
"Oh, I had a conscience once. But alas, I seem to have forgotten where I put it." —Chandler
FAQ
Memory Lapse is a blue Instant card that counters target spell. If the spell is countered this way, it is placed on top of its owner's library instead of going into the graveyard.
Memory Lapse is Card Number 103 in the Fifth Edition set, released in 1997. It is classified as a Common rarity card within this expansion.
The Fifth Edition version of Memory Lapse was illustrated by Mark Tedin. His work is widely recognized for defining the visual style of early Magic: The Gathering cards.
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