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About This Card

The 1997 Weatherlight expansion with this rare enchantment card, Inner Sanctum. Card number 18 offers strategic value for Magic: The Gathering collectors.

Inner Sanctum

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Weatherlight

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $1.07
Updated about 10 hours ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $1.07
    Source
    Guide Estimate
    Trend
    +0.9%
    Price Details

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 11, 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

The 1997 Weatherlight expansion holds a significant place in the history of Magic: The Gathering, introducing mechanics that would influence gameplay for years to come. Within this iconic set, Inner Sanctum stands out as card number 18, a rare enchantment designed for players seeking strategic depth. Illustrated by D. Alexander Gregory, this card is a staple for collectors focusing on the white mana color identity. Inner Sanctum functions as a powerful defensive tool within the game. Its primary ability involves a cumulative upkeep mechanic that requires the controller to pay two life for each counter on the card. In exchange for this resource investment, the enchantment prevents all damage that would be dealt to creatures the controller controls. This unique interaction between life total and creature protection makes it a fascinating piece of design from the late 1990s. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, Weatherlight cards are highly sought after for their historical importance and distinct aesthetic. Inner Sanctum, with its specific card number and rare status, represents a key component for those building comprehensive collections of the era. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to complete a set or a new enthusiast exploring the game's rich lore, this card offers both mechanical intrigue and nostalgic value. The Weatherlight set continues to be a favorite among vintage card collectors, and Inner Sanctum remains a recognizable and desirable addition to any library.

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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

1997

Series

Weatherlight

Card Number

#18

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

Rare

Artist

D. Alexander Gregory

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.

Cumulative upkeep—Pay 2 life. (At the beginning of your upkeep, put an age counter on this permanent, then sacrifice it unless you pay its upkeep cost for each age counter on it.) Prevent all damage that would be dealt to creatures you control.

"Save me from Maraxus," Starke pleaded, "or condemn me to his wrath. Either way, do not ignore me!"

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of card is Inner Sanctum in Magic: The Gathering?

Inner Sanctum is a rare enchantment card from the 1997 Weatherlight expansion. It is a white mana card that provides defensive capabilities for creatures controlled by the player.

How does the cumulative upkeep mechanic work on Inner Sanctum?

The card has a cumulative upkeep ability that requires the controller to pay two life for each counter on it. As the counters accumulate, the cost to keep the enchantment active increases, requiring careful resource management.

Who illustrated Inner Sanctum?

The artwork for Inner Sanctum was created by D. Alexander Gregory, who contributed to many iconic illustrations during the early years of Magic: The Gathering.

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