The 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara foil Obelisk of Esper (ALA #213) is a versatile artifact mana source designed for multi-colored decks.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shards of Alara
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.97 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 13, 2026
The Obelisk of Esper foil card from Magic: The Gathering's 2008 Shards of Alara set offers a reliable mana acceleration option for collectors and players alike. As a common artifact with the catalog number 213, this card features a distinctive foil treatment that enhances its visual appeal within the Shards of Alara subset. Created by artist Francis Tsai, the card represents the Esper shard, one of the five distinct color wedges that define the block's complex narrative and gameplay structure. Mechanically, the Obelisk of Esper serves as a flexible mana producer. By tapping the artifact, players can choose to add one mana of any single color from its identity: white, blue, or black. This flexibility allows it to support a wide variety of multi-colored strategies without requiring complex setup or additional resources. For Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, cards like this one are foundational pieces for building efficient decks that span multiple color identities. The Shards of Alara expansion marked a significant era in the trading card game's history, introducing a world fractured into five distinct shards, each representing a combination of two colors. This thematic depth translates into the gameplay, where cards like the Obelisk of Esper provide the necessary mana base to cast powerful spells from different color pairs. Collectors often seek out foil versions of these staples for their aesthetic quality and their role in the set's overall design. Whether you are assembling a complete Shards of Alara collection or looking for specific artifact cards to enhance your library, the Obelisk of Esper foil stands out as a well-crafted piece of Magic history. Its straightforward utility and elegant foil finish make it a staple for any serious Magic: The Gathering trading card game collection.
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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
Obelisk of Esper
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Francis Tsai
Card Stock
English
Foil
{3}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{T}: Add {W}, {U}, or {B}.
It is a monument as austere, unyielding, and inscrutable as Esper itself.
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