This 1993 Limited Edition Alpha Manabarbs card (#163) is a foundational piece of Magic: The Gathering history, featuring a unique enchantment effect that impacts gameplay strategy.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$599.99 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
Released in 1993 as part of the Limited Edition Alpha set, Manabarbs stands as a defining card in the early history of Magic: The Gathering. Identified as card number 163 in the Limited Edition Alpha (LEA) subset, this enchantment card was designed by artist Christopher Rush and has since become a staple for collectors of vintage trading card games. The card’s distinct black border and classic layout are hallmarks of the original release, making it instantly recognizable to seasoned players and new enthusiasts alike. The gameplay mechanic of Manabarbs introduces a strategic layer to the game: whenever a player taps a land for mana, this enchantment deals 1 damage to that player. This effect forces opponents to carefully manage their resource allocation, balancing the power of spells against the risk of self-inflicted damage. For investors and historians of the genre, owning a copy of Manabarbs offers a tangible connection to the foundational era of collectible card games. Its presence in any vintage collection adds depth and historical significance, serving as a reminder of the innovative mechanics that defined the early years of Magic: The Gathering.
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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
Manabarbs
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Christopher Rush
Card Stock
English
{3}{R}
Enchantment
R
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Whenever a player taps a land for mana, this enchantment deals 1 damage to that player.
FAQ
Manabarbs is card number 163 in the Limited Edition Alpha set, often abbreviated as LEA. It is a Rare enchantment card that was part of the original 1993 release of Magic: The Gathering.
The card is an enchantment with a mana cost of {3}{R}. Its effect states that whenever a player taps a land for mana, this enchantment deals 1 damage to that player. This creates a risk for anyone controlling it who needs to generate mana.
The original Manabarbs card from Limited Edition Alpha was illustrated by Christopher Rush. His artwork is iconic for the early days of the game and is highly sought after by collectors of vintage Magic: The Gathering cards.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
