What is the Prodigal Sorcerer in Magic: The Gathering?

The Prodigal Sorcerer is a classic Human Wizard creature card originally released in 1993 and reprinted in Fifth Edition in 1997. It is known for its ability to deal one damage to any target by tapping, representing the original red mage character.

Why is Fifth Edition significant for collectors?

Fifth Edition is one of the most important expansions in Magic: The Gathering history, serving as the first core set to introduce a standardized card frame and border design. It remains a popular choice for completing vintage sets and is highly regarded for its accessibility and historical value.

How does the Prodigal Sorcerer's ability work?

The card allows you to tap it to deal 1 damage to any target. This simple yet versatile effect made it a staple in early decks and a recognizable figure in the game's lore, representing the arcane study of magic.

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Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy

About This Card

The Prodigal Sorcerer from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Fifth Edition, a staple of the game's early history and a key card for collectors.

Prodigal Sorcerer

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition

1997 Magic: The Gathering Fifth Edition

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Market Value

Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.18

Updated 3 days ago

Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Last Updated Sep 22, 2026Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

Condition	Value	Source	Trend	Price Details
	$0.18Sep 22, 2026	Guide Estimate	+5.9%
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) Estimate: $0.18, based on Guide Estimate. Source date not availableCaptured Sep 22, 2026 Guide Estimate: $0.18. Evidence date not available. Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable. Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $0.17 to $0.18 across 3 capture days. Change between Sep 4, 2026 and Sep 22, 2026: 5.9%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.

$0.18Sep 22, 2026
Source
Guide Estimate
Trend
+5.9%
Price Details
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)
Estimate: $0.18, based on Guide Estimate.
Source date not availableCaptured Sep 22, 2026
Guide Estimate: $0.18. Evidence date not available.
Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable.
Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $0.17 to $0.18 across 3 capture days. Change between Sep 4, 2026 and Sep 22, 2026: 5.9%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 22, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.

Product Overview

Description

The Prodigal Sorcerer holds a unique place in Magic: The Gathering history as the original red mage, established before the color pie was fully codified. Released in 1997 as card number 112 in the Fifth Edition set, this common creature has become an enduring symbol of the game's early design philosophy. Douglas Shuler provided the original art for this iconic figure, who has since appeared in numerous reprintings and spin-offs. Collectors often seek out this version to complete their Fifth Edition collection or to own a piece of the game's foundational era. The card's simple yet effective ability allows the player to deal one damage to any target by tapping the creature, making it a versatile tool in early formats. Its enduring popularity stems from its deep lore connections and its role in shaping the identity of the game's colors. The Fifth Edition remains one of the most significant expansions, and owning a card from this set connects you to the community's shared history.

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