The Dread Specter from Magic: The Gathering's 1996 Mirage expansion. This black uncommon creature offers unique blocking abilities for collectors and strategists.
Dread Specter
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirage
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.20 | Guide Estimate | -4.8% | ||
- $0.20
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- -4.8%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 19, 2026
Description
The Dread Specter, cataloged as card number 119 in the 1996 Mirage expansion, remains a distinct entry in Magic: The Gathering history. Released under the Mirage set code, this black uncommon creature card introduces a strategic defensive mechanic that has appealed to players since its initial printing. Designed by Kathryn Rathke, the card features a mana cost of {3}{B} and functions as a 2/2 Specter, providing a solid presence on the battlefield for black-aligned decks. Collectors value the Dread Specter not only for its gameplay utility but also for its place within the Mirage era, a pivotal time for the trading card game's development. The card’s ability triggers whenever it blocks or becomes blocked by a nonblack creature, destroying that creature at end of combat. This interaction makes it a notable choice for deck builders looking to control the board against lighter-colored threats. While many cards from this period have seen reprints, original Mirage prints like this one hold significant nostalgic and historical weight for dedicated enthusiasts. Whether you are looking to complete a Mirage set, build a Commander deck with a thematic focus on black creatures, or simply add a classic piece of TCG history to your collection, the Dread Specter offers both mechanical depth and collectible appeal. Its status as an uncommon in its original set makes it accessible yet sought after by those who appreciate the foundational cards that shaped early competitive play. Explore the diverse inventory available to secure your next addition to the collection.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Dread Specter
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
Kathryn Rathke
Card Stock
English
{3}{B}
Creature — Specter
2 / 2
B
Card Text
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Whenever this creature blocks or becomes blocked by a nonblack creature, destroy that creature at end of combat.
Whatever follows life is incurable. —Zhalfirin aphorism










