Spontaneous Generation is card #274 from the 1999 Mercadian Masques expansion for Magic: The Gathering, offering a powerful token-creation effect.
1999 • Magic: The Gathering • Mercadian Masques
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$3.88 | Guide Estimate | +0.5% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
Spontaneous Generation, identified as card number 274 in the 1999 Mercadian Masques expansion, stands as a notable Sorcery within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by artist Alan Pollack, this green card carries a mana cost of three generic mana and one green mana, resulting in a total mana value of four. Its strategic appeal lies in its ability to generate a number of 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens equal to the number of cards held in the player's hand at the time of casting. For collectors of vintage TCGs, this card represents a key piece of the Mercadian Masques era, a period known for its intricate world-building and unique card mechanics. The card's text box references the lore of Mercadia, noting that Saprolings thrive on ruins, which adds narrative depth to the gameplay. While it functions as a Rare rarity card within the set, its value to collectors often stems from its utility in specific deck archetypes and its place in the broader history of the game's development. Collectors often seek out this release to complete their Mercadian Masques sets or to add a functional card with historical significance to their collections. The card's straightforward yet impactful effect makes it a recognizable name among players who enjoy token-based strategies. Whether viewed through the lens of competitive play or casual collection, Spontaneous Generation remains a distinct element of the 1999 Magic: The Gathering landscape. Its enduring presence in the game's canon ensures it remains a topic of interest for those studying the evolution of card design and mechanics during this pivotal year. By focusing on the catalog identity of the card, collectors can appreciate its design and function without the noise of fluctuating market trends. This approach ensures that the information remains relevant and accurate for both new and experienced players looking to understand the context of this Mercadian Masques staple.
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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
Spontaneous Generation
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Alan Pollack
Card Stock
English
{3}{G}
Sorcery
G
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Create a 1/1 green Saproling creature token for each card in your hand.
Saprolings always thrive on the ruins of others, and Mercadia ruins more than most.
FAQ
Spontaneous Generation is a Sorcery card that allows the player to create a number of 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens equal to the number of cards in their hand. It requires a mana cost of three generic mana and one green mana to cast.
This card was released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques expansion for Magic: The Gathering. It is numbered 274 in the set and is categorized as a Rare card.
The artwork for Spontaneous Generation was created by Alan Pollack. His illustration complements the card's theme, which ties into the lore of Mercadia and the nature of Saprolings.
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