The Sphinx Sovereign is a Mythic Rare artifact creature from the 2008 Shards of Alara expansion, featuring a unique life-gain mechanic that rewards untapped creatures.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shards of Alara
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$2.55 | Guide Estimate | +50.9% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
The Sphinx Sovereign card number 196 stands as a significant release within the 2008 Shards of Alara expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Designed by artist Chippy, this card is identified by its Mythic Rare status, marking it as one of the most powerful and sought-after components of the set. As an artifact creature with the subtypes Sphinx, it commands attention through its complex mana cost and strategic gameplay potential. Collector interest in this card often stems from its mechanical uniqueness. The Sphinx Sovereign allows players to gain 3 life at the beginning of their end step if it remains untapped. Conversely, if it is tapped, the effect reverses, causing each opponent to lose 3 life. This dual-natured ability creates dynamic decision-making during play, making it a favorite among players who enjoy strategic depth and risk-reward scenarios. The card’s multicolor identity, spanning white, blue, and black, further enhances its appeal to collectors who appreciate the complexity of its color pie alignment. Whether you are building a collection focused on Mythic Rares or tracking the history of artifact creatures in the game, the Sphinx Sovereign represents a key piece of Magic: The Gathering lore and mechanics. For those interested in the broader context of Magic: The Gathering, this card serves as a testament to the innovative design philosophy of the late 2000s. The Sphinx Sovereign’s ability to swing life totals dramatically makes it a memorable addition to any collection. The combination of its high rarity, unique mechanics, and iconic design makes the Sphinx Sovereign a standout item for any serious Magic: The Gathering enthusiast. Its place in the Shards of Alara set cements its status as a collector's favorite, offering both aesthetic and mechanical value.
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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
Sphinx Sovereign
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Mythic Rare
Chippy
Card Stock
English
{4}{W}{U}{U}{B}
Artifact Creature — Sphinx
6 / 6
B, U, W
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Flying At the beginning of your end step, you gain 3 life if this creature is untapped. Otherwise, each opponent loses 3 life.
"What rises without legs, whispers without a voice, bites without teeth, and dies without having life?"
FAQ
The Sphinx Sovereign is unique due to its dual-natured end step ability: it gains you 3 life if untapped, or causes opponents to lose 3 life if tapped. This creates a strategic choice each turn, making it a highly interactive card for collectors and players alike.
Yes, the Sphinx Sovereign is classified as a Mythic Rare card in the Shards of Alara expansion. This rarity tier indicates that it is one of the most powerful and least frequently printed cards in the set, increasing its desirability among collectors.
The Sphinx Sovereign is an Artifact Creature — Sphinx with a mana cost of {4}{W}{U}{U}{B}. It has a mana value of 8 and features a power and toughness of 6/6, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering.
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