What is the mana cost of Caltrops in Magic: The Gathering?

Caltrops has a mana cost of three generic mana. This makes it relatively easy to cast early in the game, allowing players to establish board presence quickly.

How does Caltrops affect attacking creatures?

Whenever a creature attacks, Caltrops deals one damage to it. This ability triggers automatically and can help mitigate the damage output of opposing creatures.

Is Caltrops considered a rare card?

Caltrops is classified as an Uncommon card in the Seventh Edition set. This rarity level makes it more accessible than Rare or Mythic Rare cards while still being a valued component of the set.

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Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy

About This Card

The 2001 Seventh Edition Caltrops card (#288) is an Uncommon Artifact in Magic: The Gathering that imposes damage on attacking creatures.

Caltrops

2001 • Magic: The Gathering • Seventh Edition

2001 Magic: The Gathering Seventh Edition

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Market Value

Raw/Ungraded Market: $23.03

Updated 9 days ago

Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Last Updated Oct 8, 2026Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

Condition	Value	Source	Trend	Price Details
	$23.03Oct 9, 2026	Guide Estimate	-0.3%
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) Estimate: $23.03, based on Guide Estimate. Source date not availableCaptured Oct 9, 2026 Guide Estimate: $23.03. Evidence date not available. Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable. Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $23.03 to $23.09 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 19, 2026 and Oct 9, 2026: -0.3%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 9, 2026

$23.03Oct 9, 2026
Source
Guide Estimate
Trend
-0.3%
Price Details
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)
Estimate: $23.03, based on Guide Estimate.
Source date not availableCaptured Oct 9, 2026
Guide Estimate: $23.03. Evidence date not available.
Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable.
Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $23.03 to $23.09 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 19, 2026 and Oct 9, 2026: -0.3%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 9, 2026

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 9, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.

Product Overview

Description

Released in 2001 as part of the Seventh Edition, Caltrops is a staple artifact card for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. Designated as card number 288 with an Uncommon rarity, this piece serves as a foundational tool for artifact-based strategies within the game. The card features a mana cost of three and functions as a persistent effect that triggers whenever a creature attacks, dealing one damage to that creature. This mechanical simplicity makes it a reliable defensive option for players looking to control the battlefield without committing additional resources. Art by Eric Peterson, the visual design of Seventh Edition cards established a clean and recognizable aesthetic that defined the era. Caltrops reflects this period's focus on straightforward mechanics and interactive gameplay. The flavor text accompanying the card adds a layer of narrative depth, hinting at the strategic mindset of characters within the Magic universe. For those building collections of Magic: The Gathering cards, Caltrops represents a tangible piece of gaming history. Its status as an artifact allows it to interact with a wide variety of cards, making it a versatile addition to any deck or display. Whether you are a seasoned player or a new collector, owning a copy of this card connects you to the rich legacy of the Seventh Edition.

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