The 1999 Mercadian Masques foil version of the Magic: The Gathering sorcery Spontaneous Generation. This rare card creates Saproling tokens based on hand size.
1999 • Magic: The Gathering • Mercadian Masques
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$23.88 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 1, 2026
Spontaneous Generation is a sorcery card from the 1999 Mercadian Masques expansion, identified by card number 274 in the set. Designed with a foil finish, this card stands out for its efficient resource generation mechanics, making it a staple for collectors who appreciate the strategic depth of early Magic: The Gathering gameplay. The card allows players to create one 1/1 green Saproling creature token for each card held in their hand, turning hand size into a tangible battlefield advantage. This mechanic highlights the unique interplay between resource management and creature deployment that defines the game's early eras. Mercadian Masques was released in 1999 and introduced the world of Mercadia, a setting known for its corruption and greed. The flavor text of Spontaneous Generation reflects this theme, noting that Saprolings thrive on the ruins of others, a nod to the set's darker, more cynical tone. Collectors often seek out this card not only for its gameplay utility but also for its iconic foil treatment, which adds a distinct visual appeal to the card's design. The artist, Alan Pollack, contributed to the set's distinctive aesthetic, though the focus here remains on the card's mechanical identity and historical context within the Magic: The Gathering universe. For investors and hobbyists, maintaining a collection of Mercadian Masques cards requires attention to both rarity and condition. As a rare card, Spontaneous Generation holds a specific place in the set's hierarchy, appealing to those who build their collections around complete sets or specific foil treatments. The card's mana cost of {3}{G} and its green color identity make it a recognizable piece for any Magic: The Gathering enthusiast. Whether you are looking to complete your Mercadian Masques collection or add a powerful sorcery to your vintage portfolio, this card represents a key component of the 1999 expansion.
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
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
Foil
{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 that creates a 1/1 green Saproling creature token for each card in your hand. This allows players to rapidly expand their board presence based on their current hand size.
This card is from the Mercadian Masques expansion, released in 1999. It is card number 274 in the set and features a foil finish in this product.
The mana cost for Spontaneous Generation is {3}{G}, requiring three generic mana and one green mana to cast. It has a mana value of 4.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.