# 2011 Magic: The Gathering Magic 2012 #216

> The Scepter of Empires is an Uncommon foil artifact from the Magic 2012 core set, identified by card number 216 and designed by John Avon.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2011
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Magic 2012
- **Card Number**: 216
- **Featured**: Scepter of Empires
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Uncommon
- **Mana cost**: {3}
- **Type**: Artifact
- **Language**: English
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Foil

## Description

The Scepter of Empires is a foil artifact card from the Magic 2012 core set, carrying the catalog number 216. Designed by artist John Avon, this Uncommon card features a distinct silver-bordered finish that distinguishes it from the base non-foil printings within the M12 set. The card requires three generic mana to cast and functions as a straightforward damage-dealing artifact for players utilizing artifact-based strategies. Its ability allows the controller to tap the card to deal one damage to any target player or planeswalker, or three damage if the controller also possesses the Crown of Empires and Throne of Empires artifacts on the battlefield. This conditional bonus creates a specific synergy for collectors and players tracking the complete Empires artifact cycle. The flavor text inscribed on the card, "With this scepter, smite your enemies," reinforces the item's role as a weapon of dominion within the game's lore. As part of the Magic 2012 release, this card represents a foundational element for those building sets or exploring the game's historical card pool. The combination of John Avon's design work and the foil treatment makes this entry in the M12 checklist a notable target for completists seeking every printed variation of the base set. The card's mechanical simplicity and artifact synergy offer a clear example of the design philosophy present in the Magic 2012 expansion, serving as a functional tool in gameplay while maintaining aesthetic value for collectors assembling their library.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Scepter of Empires?

The card has a mana cost of {3}, representing three generic mana.

### What set is the Scepter of Empires from?

It is part of the Magic 2012 core set, released in 2011, and bears the card number 216.

### What are the gameplay abilities of this card?

It is an artifact that deals 1 damage to a target player or planeswalker, or 3 damage if you control both the Crown of Empires and Throne of Empires.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-10-03.

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