How to sell cards

What You Need to Know to Sell Cards

Before selling your Magic: The Gathering (MTG) cards, it’s essential to know three key things:

  1. Set: Which set your card is from.

  2. Condition: The physical state of your card.

  3. Treatment: The type of card—regular, extended art, foil, retro, borderless, showcase, etc.

Understanding these details will help you accurately describe your cards and maximize their value.

How to Identify the Set

  1. Look for the Set Symbol: Each MTG card has a set symbol located on the right side of the card, just below the artwork.

    • Example: A small sword icon represents the "Throne of Eldraine" set.

  2. Match the Set Symbol: Use an online MTG set symbol guide or a card database like Scryfall to identify the set.

  3. Check the Collector Number: Found at the bottom left, it can also confirm the set when paired with the symbol.

  4. Use the Set Code: Each set is identified by a unique, three letter code found next to the collector number. Use a site to look up the set.

  5. Edition Details: Some sets have multiple printings (e.g., foil and non-foil variants). Be specific when selecting the card you want to sell.

How to Determine Card Condition

MTG cards are graded based on their physical condition. Here are the common categories:

  • Near Mint (NM): Almost perfect. Very minor wear, if any.

    • What to look for: Sharp corners, no scratches, no whitening along the edges.

  • Light Play (LP): Slight wear that’s noticeable but doesn’t detract significantly.

    • What to look for: Minor edge whitening, small scratches, or slight scuffing on the back.

  • Moderate Play (MP): Visible wear that may affect value but doesn’t make the card unplayable.

    • What to look for: Creases, edge wear, or significant surface scratches.

  • Heavy Play (HP): Extensive damage but still identifiable and playable.

    • What to look for: Heavy creases, water damage, or peeling.

  • Damaged: Severe damage, often unplayable.

    • What to look for: Rips, stains, illegible text, or significant bending.

Pro Tip: Use proper lighting and a magnifying glass to check for wear on edges and surfaces. Compare to condition guides provided by grading services like TCGPlayer.

How to Identify Card Treatments

MTG cards have various print treatments, which can significantly affect their value. Here are the most common:

Regular Cards

  • Standard print with a black border and no special features.

Foil Cards

  • Shiny, reflective surface on the card’s front.

    • Tip: Check the surface for any foil curling—this can impact grading.

Extended Art Cards

  • Artwork extends beyond the normal card frame, but the card still has borders.

Borderless Cards

  • Artwork completely replaces the traditional borders.

    • Often featured in premium products like collector boosters.

Showcase Cards

  • Unique, stylized frames that vary by set.

    • Example: Throne of Eldraine’s "storybook" style cards.

Full-Art Lands

  • Lands with artwork covering the entire card face.

Textless Cards

  • Cards with no text box, typically promotional items or rewards.

Serialized Cards

  • Extremely limited printings with unique serial numbers.

How to Identify Your Card’s Type and Treatment

  1. Examine the Artwork and Frame: Extended art, borderless, and showcase cards all have unique visual differences.

  2. Use the Collector Number: Special treatments often have different collector numbers compared to their regular counterparts. Look for suffixes like "#286/280" or "E" for extended art.

  3. Cross-Reference Online: Use databases like MTGGoldfish, Scryfall, or TCGPlayer to confirm the treatment and rarity.

  4. Packaging Details: Premium treatments are often found in collector or booster packs—this can help narrow down the options.

Why This Matters

Knowing your card’s set, condition, and treatment ensures you:

  • List accurately: Prevent disputes with buyers.

  • Maximize value: Certain treatments (e.g., borderless or serialized cards) fetch higher prices.

  • Protect your collection: Store and handle rare or fragile cards properly.

Final Tips for Selling Cards

  • Invest in Proper Storage: Use penny sleeves and top loaders to protect cards.

  • Be Honest About Condition: Overgrading can lead to returns and damaged reputation.

  • Use High-Quality Photos: Show both front and back of the card, under natural light.

  • Research Pricing: Check recent sales for similar cards on platforms like TCGPlayer or eBay.

By understanding these key elements, you’ll be better prepared to sell your MTG cards confidently and effectively.