# 2016 Magic: The Gathering Treasure Chest #38

> This Magic: The Gathering card features the Ancient Excavation instant from the 2016 Treasure Chest set. Card number 38 offers a unique card draw mechanic with a landcycling ability.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2016
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Treasure Chest
- **Card number**: #38
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Ancient Excavation is a distinct instant card found in the 2016 Treasure Chest set for Magic: The Gathering. Carrying the card number 38 and designated as an Uncommon rarity, this card offers a unique strategic option for players looking to manage their hand size. Designed with a mana cost of {2}{U}{B}, it requires a balanced investment of blue and black mana to activate its powerful effects.

The card’s primary ability allows players to draw a number of cards equal to the cards currently in their hand, followed by discarding one card for each card drawn. This mechanic creates a dynamic cycle of acquiring resources while carefully managing hand capacity. Additionally, the card includes a basic landcycling ability, allowing players to search their library for a basic land card by discarding the Ancient Excavation itself. This dual functionality makes it a flexible tool for deck builders seeking to stabilize their board state or find specific land types.

Created by artist James Paick, the card is part of the PZ2 subset code, representing a curated selection of cards released as part of the Treasure Chest product line. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, this card serves as a notable piece of the 2016 release history. It is often sought after by those interested in completing the Treasure Chest collection or those who appreciate the intricate game design of instant-speed manipulation. Whether you are building a competitive deck or expanding your personal archive, this card provides both mechanical depth and collectible value within the broader Magic: The Gathering ecosystem.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Ancient Excavation?

The mana cost for Ancient Excavation is {2}{U}{B}, requiring two generic mana, one blue mana, and one black mana to cast.

### How does the landcycling ability work on this card?

The basic landcycling ability allows you to pay {2} and discard Ancient Excavation to search your library for a basic land card, reveal it, put it into your hand, and then shuffle your library.

### What set is Ancient Excavation from in Magic: The Gathering?

Ancient Excavation is part of the 2016 Treasure Chest set, where it holds the card number 38 and is classified as an Uncommon rarity.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.