# 1993 Magic: The Gathering Limited Edition Alpha #259

> The 1993 Limited Edition Alpha Mana Vault is a legendary artifact card from the original Magic: The Gathering set, featuring art by Mark Tedin.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-limited-edition-alpha-mana-vault-259

## Identity

- **Year**: 1993
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Limited Edition Alpha
- **Card number**: #259
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Mana Vault stands as one of the most influential cards in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Released in 1993 as part of the Limited Edition Alpha set, this Rare artifact card carries the catalog number 259 and features artwork by Mark Tedin. As a foundational piece of the game's early ecosystem, it defined the strategic possibilities for mana acceleration during the game's formative years.

The card functions as a powerful resource engine. By paying {4} during your upkeep, you can untap it to generate three colorless mana instantly. While this power comes with the risk of dealing 1 damage to you if tapped during your draw step, the ability to accelerate your plays has made it a staple in competitive discussions and a prized possession for serious collectors. The Mana Vault Limited Edition Alpha card remains a benchmark for power level in the game's early expansions. For those building a collection of vintage Magic: The Gathering cards, securing an example of this iconic artifact is a significant milestone. The Mana Vault Limited Edition Alpha card continues to be a focal point for enthusiasts studying the game's design evolution and strategic depth.

## FAQ

### What set is the Mana Vault card from?

The Mana Vault card is from the Limited Edition Alpha set, released in 1993. It is card number 259 in the original Magic: The Gathering print run.

### Who illustrated the Mana Vault card?

The artwork for the Mana Vault in the Limited Edition Alpha set was created by Mark Tedin. His style helped define the visual identity of the game's original black-bordered cards.

### What does the Mana Vault card do in the game?

The Mana Vault is an artifact that allows you to pay {4} during your upkeep to untap it and add {C}{C}{C} to your mana pool. If it is tapped during your draw step, it deals 1 damage to you.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.