This 2002 Magic: The Gathering foil card, Read the Runes (ONS #104), is a rare instant from the Onslaught expansion designed by Alan Pollack.
Read the Runes
2002 • Magic: The Gathering • Onslaught
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$8.66 | Guide Estimate | +13.2% | ||
- $8.66
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +13.2%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 15, 2026
Description
Read the Runes stands as a pivotal blue instant from Magic: The Gathering's 2002 Onslaught expansion. Identified by card number 104 and marked with a rare foil finish, this card offers collectors a distinct piece of the game's history. As an Instant spell with a mana cost of {X}{U}, Read the Runes allows players to draw X cards. However, it comes with a strategic trade-off: for each card drawn, the caster must discard a card unless they sacrifice a permanent. This unique cost structure makes it a high-risk, high-reward option that appeals to both competitive players and collectors who appreciate clever design. The card's blue color identity aligns with themes of knowledge and magic, fitting seamlessly into the aesthetic of the Onslaught era. Collectors often seek out foil versions of rare cards from this period due to their visual appeal and the care taken in their production. The foil treatment adds a shimmering quality that enhances the card's presence in any collection. Whether you are building a comprehensive set of Onslaught cards or focusing on rare instants, this product provides a tangible connection to one of Magic: The Gathering's most dynamic expansions. The artwork by Alan Pollack complements the card's magical theme, making it a visually striking addition to any binder or display. By focusing on the catalog identity of this product, we ensure that collectors can identify exactly what they are acquiring. This product represents the core appeal of the Onslaught set: bold mechanics, striking art, and the enduring popularity of Magic: The Gathering as a trading card game. It serves as an excellent reference point for understanding the evolution of instant spells and resource management in the game's history.
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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
Read the Runes
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Alan Pollack
Card Stock
English
Foil
{X}{U}
Instant
U
Card Text
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Draw X cards. For each card drawn this way, discard a card unless you sacrifice a permanent.
"The world is a puzzle, and the mind is its key."






