What type of card is Ancient Tomb in Magic: The Gathering?

Ancient Tomb is a Land card with the subtype Island Swamp. It is categorized as an Uncommon rarity within the Tempest expansion.

How does Ancient Tomb's mana ability work?

The card allows you to tap it to add two colorless mana to your mana pool. However, this ability requires you to deal 2 damage to yourself as a cost for the mana production.

Who illustrated the Tempest version of Ancient Tomb?

The artwork for the 1997 Tempest release of Ancient Tomb was created by artist Colin MacNeil, whose style helped define the visual identity of the set.

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Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy

About This Card

The 1997 Tempest expansion card Ancient Tomb, numbered 315, is an Uncommon land card from Magic: The Gathering.

Ancient Tomb

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest

1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest

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Market Value

Raw/Ungraded Market: $131.77

Updated about 18 hours ago

Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Last Updated Oct 15, 2026Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

Condition	Value	Source	Trend	Price Details
	$131.77Oct 15, 2026	Guide Estimate	+4%
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) Estimate: $131.77, based on Guide Estimate. Source date not availableCaptured Oct 15, 2026 Guide Estimate: $131.77. 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 $126.70 to $131.77 across 3 capture days. Change between Sep 16, 2026 and Oct 15, 2026: 4%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 15, 2026

$131.77Oct 15, 2026
Source
Guide Estimate
Trend
+4%
Price Details
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)
Estimate: $131.77, based on Guide Estimate.
Source date not availableCaptured Oct 15, 2026
Guide Estimate: $131.77. 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 $126.70 to $131.77 across 3 capture days. Change between Sep 16, 2026 and Oct 15, 2026: 4%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 15, 2026

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 15, 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 1997, Ancient Tomb (Card #315) is a foundational land card from the Magic: The Gathering Tempest set. Designed by Colin MacNeil, this Uncommon card has become a staple in the collector community due to its unique mana acceleration mechanics. Unlike standard lands that provide a single resource, Ancient Tomb allows players to add two colorless mana to their pool with each tap. This power comes with a significant trade-off: the land deals 2 damage to the controller upon activation. This high-risk, high-reward design made it a sought-after asset for aggressive strategies and mana-intensive decks during the 1990s. The card features flavor text from a Vec tomb inscription, adding narrative depth to its gameplay utility. For investors and completists, owning a copy of this Tempest-era card is a key step in building a comprehensive Magic: The Gathering collection. Collecting original 1997 prints requires attention to detail, as the card’s historical significance drives demand. Whether you are aiming to complete the Tempest set or seeking iconic artifacts for your library, this card represents a pivotal moment in TCG history. The distinct interplay of risk and reward in Ancient Tomb’s rules text continues to make it a memorable and valuable addition to any Magic: The Gathering enthusiast’s archive.

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