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About This Card

The 1998 Magic: The Gathering Stronghold expansion with this Uncommon White Enchantment card, Contemplation. Featuring iconic artwork by Brom, this card provides a reliable life-gain effect for collectors and players alike.

Contemplation

1998 • Magic: The Gathering • Stronghold

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.28
Updated 7 days ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $0.28
    Source
    Guide Estimate
    Trend
    +3.7%
    Price Details

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 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

Contemplation stands as a notable entry in the 1998 Magic: The Gathering Stronghold set, recognized by its card number 4 and Uncommon rarity. As a White Enchantment, it serves as a foundational piece for collectors who appreciate the strategic depth and aesthetic evolution of late-1990s Magic design. The card features the distinctive artistic style of Brom, whose work defined the visual identity of the game during this pivotal era, making it a sought-after item for those who value the artistic heritage of the franchise. Mechanically, Contemplation offers a straightforward yet powerful benefit: whenever a player casts a spell, they gain one life. This effect encourages aggressive spell-slinging strategies, rewarding players for maintaining a high tempo of play. For collectors, this card represents more than just gameplay utility; it embodies the design philosophy of the Stronghold set, which focused on complex interactions and player agency. The card’s simplicity in text belies its importance in constructing balanced decks that rely on resource management and life total advantages. For investors and hobbyists, cards from the Stronghold set hold significant nostalgic value. The 1998 era marked a period of rapid growth for Magic: The Gathering, and Stronghold remains a cornerstone of that history. Collectors often seek out cards like Contemplation to complete their set collections or to acquire pieces with proven artistic merit. The enduring appeal of Brom’s illustrations ensures that this card remains a staple in discussions about the game’s golden age. Whether you are building a vintage deck, completing a set, or simply appreciating the artistry of early Magic cards, Contemplation offers a compelling connection to the game’s rich history. The combination of strategic utility, artistic significance, and historical context makes Contemplation a valuable addition to any serious Magic: The Gathering collection.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

1998

Series

Stronghold

Card Number

#4

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Uncommon

Artist

Brom

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{1}{W}{W}

Type

Enchantment

Color

W

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Whenever you cast a spell, you gain 1 life.

"How fascinating it is to watch the machinations of one's own mind play themselves out." —Volrath

Magic: The Gathering and related names, images, symbols, and marks are trademarks or copyrights of Wizards of the Coast LLC. SuperCatch is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast. Some Magic reference content is unofficial Fan Content under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Full attribution.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of card is Contemplation in Magic: The Gathering?

Contemplation is a White Enchantment card from the 1998 Stronghold set. It has a mana cost of {1}{W}{W} and an Uncommon rarity, making it a common yet valuable piece for collectors of vintage Magic cards.

Who illustrated the Contemplation card?

The artwork for Contemplation was created by Brom, one of the most iconic artists in Magic: The Gathering history. His style defined the visual aesthetic of the game’s early years, particularly during the 1990s.

How does Contemplation work in gameplay?

The card’s effect allows you to gain 1 life whenever you cast a spell. This continuous life gain supports strategies that involve casting multiple spells per turn, helping to stabilize your life total against aggressive opponents.

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