The 2016 Magic: The Gathering Ancient Excavation foil card from the Treasure Chest set. This Uncommon Instant (#38) features artwork by James Paick.
Ancient Excavation
2016 • Magic: The Gathering • Treasure Chest
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Description
Ancient Excavation is an Uncommon Instant card from the 2016 Magic: The Gathering Treasure Chest set, bearing the set code PZ2 and card number 38. This release features a foil finish and showcases artwork by James Paick, appealing to collectors who appreciate the distinct visual style of the Treasure Chest product line. As a dual-colored card with a mana value of 4, it requires both Blue and Black mana to cast, making it a strategic addition to decks built around those colors. The card's mechanics offer powerful resource management potential. By paying its casting cost, a player can draw cards equal to the number currently held in hand, then must discard one card for each card drawn. This high-risk, high-reward effect allows for rapid hand refills but requires careful planning to avoid discarding essential resources. Additionally, the card includes a Basic landcycling ability for {2}, allowing the player to discard the card to search their library for a basic land card, reveal it, put it into their hand, and shuffle. This versatility makes the card functional in various gameplay scenarios, balancing aggressive drawing with ramping capabilities. For Magic: The Gathering collectors, Ancient Excavation represents a tangible piece of the game's 2016 catalog. The Treasure Chest set was designed to provide accessible entry points into the game, and this foil version adds a layer of visual appeal for those who enjoy collecting cards with special finishes. The combination of James Paick’s artwork and the foil treatment makes it a desirable item for hobbyists looking to complete their Treasure Chest collection or simply acquire a visually striking card from the era. Whether for gameplay utility or display, this card stands as a notable entry in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game canon.
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Card Details
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Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Ancient Excavation
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
James Paick
Card Stock
English
Foil
{2}{U}{B}
Instant
B, U
Card Text
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Draw cards equal to the number of cards in your hand, then discard a card for each card drawn this way. Basic landcycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Search your library for a basic land card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.)






