The 2016 Magic: The Gathering Ancient Excavation foil card from the Treasure Chest set. This Uncommon Instant (#38) features artwork by James Paick.
2016 • Magic: The Gathering • Treasure Chest
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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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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
Ancient Excavation
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
James Paick
Card Stock
English
Foil
{2}{U}{B}
Instant
B, U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
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.)
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