The Limited Edition Alpha Swamp (Card #290) is a core Black mana land from the original 1993 Magic: The Gathering release, featuring essential gameplay mechanics for collectors and players.
Swamp
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$54.09 | Guide Estimate | +2.1% | ||
- $54.09
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +2.1%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 16, 2026
Description
The Limited Edition Alpha Swamp, designated as card number 290, serves as a foundational element in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Released in 1993, this Basic Land card is one of the original 302 cards that launched the trading card game phenomenon. Designed by Dan Frazier, the card represents the Black mana source essential for any deck utilizing dark strategies or heavy spellcasting. As a common rarity in the Limited Edition Alpha set, it was printed in large quantities, yet its status as part of the very first expansion gives it significant historical weight among TCG enthusiasts. In gameplay, the Swamp provides a straightforward utility that has remained consistent throughout the game's history. By tapping the card, players add one black mana to their pool, enabling the casting of spells that require Black mana identity. This simple mechanic makes it a staple in deck construction, ensuring that players can execute their strategies reliably. The card’s type line clearly identifies it as a Basic Land, emphasizing its role as a resource generator rather than a creature or sorcery. Collectors often seek out the Limited Edition Alpha Swamp for its nostalgia and its place in the LEA set code, which denotes the first printing of the game. Whether you are building a vintage collection or simply appreciate the origins of competitive card gaming, this card offers a direct connection to the 1993 era when Magic: The Gathering first captivated the world., enthusiasts can explore listings for this iconic land, connecting with a community that values the heritage of the game. The card’s enduring presence in the game’s ecosystem ensures that it remains relevant, bridging the gap between early adopters and modern players who continue to discover the depth of Magic’s design.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Swamp
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Dan Frazier
Card Stock
English
Basic Land — Swamp
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
({T}: Add {B}.)










