The history and gameplay of Sea Serpent, Card 76 from the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set of Magic: The Gathering.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$32.50 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Sea Serpent, designated as Card 76, is a foundational creature card from the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set of Magic: The Gathering. Designed by Jeff A. Menges, this card represents one of the earliest blue mana creatures introduced in the game's history. As a Common rarity card, it played a significant role in the foundational mechanics of the trading card game, offering players a strategic way to control the board through specific environmental interactions. The card features a mana cost of five generic mana and one blue mana, resulting in a mana value of six. With a power and toughness of 5/5, Sea Serpent is a formidable presence in play, provided its unique restrictions are met. The card’s rules dictate that it cannot attack unless the defending player controls an Island. Furthermore, if the controller has no Islands in play, the creature must be sacrificed. This mechanic encourages players to build their mana base carefully and consider the opponent’s board state before engaging in combat. Collectors and enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering often seek out cards from the Limited Edition Alpha set due to their historical significance as the game's first release. Sea Serpent remains a recognizable piece of this legacy, appreciated for its straightforward yet impactful design. The flavor text adds a touch of whimsy, hinting at a legendary past for the creature, which enriches the immersive experience of the game. Whether for completing a set or appreciating the evolution of game design, this card holds a special place in the annals of Magic: The Gathering history.
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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
Sea Serpent
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Jeff A. Menges
Card Stock
English
{5}{U}
Creature — Serpent
5 / 5
U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
This creature can't attack unless defending player controls an Island. When you control no Islands, sacrifice this creature.
Legend has it that Serpents used to be bigger, but how could that be?
FAQ
Sea Serpent has a mana cost of five generic mana and one blue mana, totaling a mana value of six. This makes it a relatively expensive creature to cast in the early game.
Sea Serpent cannot attack unless the defending player controls an Island. Additionally, if the Sea Serpent's controller controls no Islands, the creature must be sacrificed. This creates a unique dynamic where the card's offensive capability depends on the opponent's board state.
The Sea Serpent card in the Limited Edition Alpha set was illustrated by Jeff A. Menges, who created one of the original visual identities for Magic: The Gathering creatures.
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