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Is Antiquities MTG Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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Antiquities MTG is a WATCH for collectors in 2026, with its two most valuable cards, Mishra’s Workshop and Candelabra of Tawnos, commanding significant prices at $3,439 and $2,271 raw respectively. While the set exhibits strong potential for graded returns, particularly Power Artifact with a 235.5% ROI, the lack of data for many key cards like Booster Packs and Mishra’s Factory variants makes a full BUY recommendation for unprepared investors premature.

Most TCG set guides are wrong about which cards to grade — and the data proves it. This analysis of Magic: The Gathering’s Antiquities set in 2026 dives deep into the numbers behind its most sought-after cards, revealing a landscape rich with potential but requiring a discerning eye for investment. We’ll break down the raw and graded values, examine the return on investment for submitting cards for grading, and ultimately provide a clear verdict on whether Antiquities is a smart addition to your collection this year. Prepare for a data-driven look at one of Magic’s foundational sets.

Verdict: WATCH. Based on the top 8 chase cards from Antiquities, the complete-set floor sits around $7,452 raw. Mishra’s Workshop leads the charge at $3,439 raw and $9,547 in PSA 10 condition. Last updated: August 2026.

In This Article

• About Antiquities

• The Top Chase Cards

• Individual Chase Card Deep Dives

• Investment Analysis

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Frequently Asked Questions

About Antiquities

Magic: The Gathering’s Antiquities set, released in 2007, holds a unique place in the game’s history. As one of the earlier expansions, it introduced a compelling narrative centered around the ancient rivalry between two powerful artificers, Urza and Mishra. This lore-infused theme, combined with its status as a relatively early release, has cemented Antiquities as a set of significant interest to collectors. While the exact card count for the full set is not readily available, the cards within Antiquities are highly regarded for their power and historical significance within the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. The set’s original design philosophy and the introduction of key artifacts have made its cards enduringly valuable, especially for players and collectors who appreciate the game’s deep lore and foundational mechanics. Its status as a coveted set continues to drive demand for its more powerful and iconic cards.

The Top Chase Cards

The economic landscape of the Antiquities set in 2026 is defined by a few incredibly high-value cards. At the apex of desirability is Mishra’s Workshop, commanding an impressive $3,439 in raw condition and soaring to a median of $9,547 for a PSA 10 grade. This represents a substantial 2.8x multiplier and an outstanding 140.0% grading ROI, making it a prime target for those looking to capitalize on the grading market. Following closely is Candelabra of Tawnos, another powerhouse card with a raw price of $2,271 and a PSA 10 median of $3,950. This card shows a 1.7x multiplier and a solid 49.8% grading ROI, indicating strong demand even at higher grades.

The chart below highlights the top 8 most valuable cards from the Antiquities set, showcasing their raw and graded (PSA 10) prices, alongside key investment metrics like the multiplier and grading ROI. It’s important to note that not all cards have PSA 10 data available, which can complicate direct comparisons for grading strategies.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of August 2026.

1. Mishra’s Workshop

Mishra’s Workshop stands as the undisputed king of Antiquities. Its raw price of $3,439 reflects a scarcity and demand that few other cards can match. When graded, it reaches a median of $9,547 for a PSA 10, a staggering 2.8x increase over its raw value. The 140.0% grading ROI is exceptionally strong, indicating that acquiring raw copies and submitting them for grading can be a highly profitable strategy. For collectors focused on high-impact investments, Mishra’s Workshop is a top-tier target. The limited supply of this iconic land ensures its continued desirability among veteran players and deep-pocketed collectors.

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2. Candelabra of Tawnos

Candelabra of Tawnos is another cornerstone of the Antiquities set, valued at $2,271 raw and $3,950 in PSA 10 condition. While its multiplier is lower at 1.7x, its grading ROI of 49.8% is still very respectable. This artifact is a staple in various Commander and Vintage decks, fueling its consistent demand. The higher entry price for Candelabra of Tawnos means that achieving a significant profit requires careful sourcing of raw copies and a focus on acquiring those with excellent centering and surface to maximize grading potential. It represents a more accessible, yet still potent, investment compared to Mishra’s Workshop.

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3. Booster Pack

The Antiquities Booster Pack at $478.82 raw is a fascinating entry on this list. With no PSA 10 median data available, it positions itself as a different kind of collectible. Rather than focusing on the graded condition of individual cards, the value here lies in the sealed product itself. This appeals to a specific segment of collectors who prioritize the preservation of original packaging and the potential for unearthing high-grade cards within. The lack of grading data means its long-term appreciation will be driven by the sealed product market, influenced by scarcity and the inherent allure of opening a piece of Magic history.

Buy Antiquities Booster Pack on eBay

4. Mishra’s Factory [Winter]

Mishra’s Factory, in its various seasonal forms, represents a different tier of Antiquities chase cards. The [Winter] variant is listed at $431.61 raw. Similar to the Booster Pack, there is no PSA 10 median data provided for this specific card. This suggests that while it’s a recognized valuable card, the focus might be on raw copies or potentially lower-graded versions for play or display, rather than the premium of a gem-mint graded card. Its value is likely tied to its utility in older formats and its iconic status as one of the original utility lands in Magic.

Buy Mishra’s Factory [Winter] on eBay

5. Transmute Artifact

Transmute Artifact is a potent sorcery that commands $373.75 raw and $899.99 in PSA 10 condition. This presents a solid 2.4x multiplier and an impressive 97.6% grading ROI. This card’s playability in artifact-centric decks, combined with its robust grading potential, makes it a highly attractive target for collectors looking to invest in cards with strong dual appeal: play and collectibility. The high ROI suggests that acquiring raw copies in near-perfect condition and submitting them for grading can yield significant returns. It’s a prime example of a card where the grading strategy can be particularly effective.

Buy Transmute Artifact on eBay

6. Mishra’s Factory [Summer]

The Mishra’s Factory [Summer] variant holds a raw price of $154.53. Like its [Winter] counterpart, specific PSA 10 data is not available, shifting the focus away from the graded market and towards the raw card’s inherent value. This price point places it in a more accessible category than the top-tier cards, but still within the realm of significant collectibles from the Antiquities set. Its demand is likely driven by collectors aiming to complete the set or acquire iconic artifact-related cards without the extreme costs associated with the highest-value pieces.

Buy Mishra’s Factory [Summer] on eBay

7. Mishra’s Factory [Fall]

Following closely behind the [Summer] variant, Mishra’s Factory [Fall] is valued at $153.15 raw. Again, the absence of PSA 10 data means its primary market value is in its raw form. This card, alongside its seasonal counterparts, contributes to the overall demand for Antiquities and represents a more budget-friendly entry point into collecting high-value cards from the set. Collectors may be looking to acquire these for play or to complete a set of the Mishra’s Factory variations, solidifying their place as desirable pieces of Antiquities.

Buy Mishra’s Factory [Fall] on eBay

8. Power Artifact

Power Artifact closes out our top 8 list with a remarkable 4.4x multiplier and an exceptional 235.5% grading ROI. Priced at $150.34 raw and $662.55 in PSA 10, this card offers one of the most compelling grading plays in the entire Antiquities set. Its high value in both raw and graded forms, coupled with the highest ROI among our analyzed cards, makes it an absolute must-consider for any investor or collector focused on maximizing returns through grading. The significant price jump to PSA 10 status highlights the demand for perfectly preserved copies of this powerful artifact enchantment.

Buy Power Artifact on eBay

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The data from Antiquities in 2026 paints a clear picture: grading is a significant driver of value, especially for certain cards. Power Artifact leads the pack with an astounding 235.5% grading ROI, meaning a PSA 10 copy is worth more than double its raw value plus the cost of grading. Transmute Artifact also offers a compelling play at 97.6% ROI, while Mishra’s Workshop demonstrates strong potential with 140.0%. These figures indicate that acquiring raw cards in excellent condition and submitting them to grading services like PSA can yield substantial profits. However, it’s crucial to factor in grading fees and the time it takes for cards to be processed and returned. Cards like Candelabra of Tawnos, with a 49.8% ROI, still offer a solid return, albeit less dramatic than the top performers. The key takeaway is that the premium for high-grade cards, particularly for iconic pieces like Mishra’s Workshop, is substantial.

Complete-Set Cost

Estimating the cost of a complete Antiquities set requires looking beyond just the top chase cards. The sum of the top 8 raw card prices is $7,452, but this is a floor, not a final number. Commons, uncommons, and any potential parallels would add to this total. For Magic: The Gathering sets of this era, a realistic complete-set cost multiplier typically ranges from 1.0 to 1.2 times the sum of the top cards, suggesting a full set might cost anywhere from approximately $7,452 to $8,942. This assumes no significant price increases beyond the listed chase cards and does not account for the rarity of low-condition bulk. Completing a set of this vintage, especially one with such high-value singles, represents a significant financial commitment.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

As of August 2026, the Antiquities set appears to be in a stable to upward trend, driven by its historical significance and the sustained demand for powerful, older cards. The current pricing data doesn’t provide short-term trends (like 90-day movements), but the established values for cards like Mishra’s Workshop and Candelabra of Tawnos suggest a robust long-term outlook. These are cards that are integral to specific, enduring formats like Vintage and Commander, guaranteeing a baseline level of demand. Short-term fluctuations might occur due to market sentiment or changes in play trends, but the intrinsic value derived from scarcity and playability points towards a positive long-term investment trajectory for the set’s key pieces.

Risks

Collecting Antiquities, like any vintage TCG set, comes with inherent risks. The most significant is the potential for reprints. While Wizards of the Coast has been judicious with reprinting truly vintage sets, any inclusion of these cards in future products (like special Masters sets or Commander preconstructed decks) could impact their secondary market prices. Another factor is set rotation in competitive formats, though Antiquities cards are more likely to be affected by ban lists or the emergence of more powerful printings rather than standard rotation. Furthermore, the grading market itself can fluctuate, with changes in grading standards or the popularity of certain grading companies potentially affecting the perceived value of graded cards. Finally, the inherent scarcity of truly mint condition raw copies means that damage or poor grading outcomes can significantly diminish an investment.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Antiquities MTG is a WATCH for collectors and investors in 2026. Its historical significance, iconic cards, and strong grading ROI potential make it a compelling set, but the missing data for many cards and the high entry cost for top pieces warrant a cautious approach.

• The TCG Collectibles Completionist: For those dedicated to building a complete Magic: The Gathering collection, Antiquities is a non-negotiable addition. The raw prices for the top cards like Mishra’s Workshop ($3,439) and Candelabra of Tawnos ($2,271) indicate a substantial investment is required. However, the allure of owning a piece of Magic history, particularly with such powerful cards, makes it a worthwhile pursuit for the serious completionist, even if it means a significant financial outlay. VERDICT: BUY (for completionists focused on prestige)

• The ROI-Focused Investor: This set offers excellent opportunities for grading-focused investors. Cards like Power Artifact (235.5% ROI) and Transmute Artifact (97.6% ROI) present clear pathways to profit. The challenge lies in sourcing affordable, high-condition raw cards and managing grading costs. With its top cards already commanding high prices, further exponential growth might be slower, but the sustained demand in formats like Vintage and Commander provides a solid floor. VERDICT: WATCH (for those targeting specific high-ROI cards and willing to learn grading strategies)

• The New Collector with $3,725 to Spend: A new collector with $3,725 has enough to acquire some of the mid-tier chase cards or a significant portion of the set’s less expensive cards. For example, they could potentially acquire Mishra’s Factory [Winter] ($431.61) and still have funds for several other valuable cards, or focus on acquiring multiple copies of Power Artifact for grading. However, reaching the top chase cards like Mishra’s Workshop ($3,439) would consume the majority of their budget for a single item. VERDICT: WATCH (focus on individual high-value cards or bulk with high ROI potential)

Pro Tip: When evaluating raw copies of Antiquities cards for grading, pay exceptionally close attention to centering and edge wear. These early WOTC sets are notorious for their print quality variations, and even minor imperfections can drastically reduce a card’s grade potential, impacting your ROI. Always aim for cards that appear genuinely gem-mint before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Antiquities a good investment in 2026?

Antiquities is a strong WATCH for collectors and investors in 2026. Its top chase cards like Mishra’s Workshop ($3,439 raw) and Candelabra of Tawnos ($2,271 raw) hold significant value. Furthermore, cards like Power Artifact offer an excellent grading ROI of 235.5%, making it a promising set for those willing to focus on specific high-potential cards and the grading market.

What are the most valuable cards in Antiquities?

The most valuable cards in Antiquities include Mishra’s Workshop ($3,439 raw, $9,547 PSA 10), Candelabra of Tawnos ($2,271 raw, $3,950 PSA 10), and Transmute Artifact ($373.75 raw, $899.99 PSA 10). Booster Packs are also highly sought after, with a raw price of $478.82, indicating value in sealed product.

Should I grade cards from Antiquities?

Yes, grading cards from Antiquities can be very profitable in 2026. Cards like Power Artifact boast a 235.5% grading ROI, and Transmute Artifact offers 97.6% ROI. Even Mishra’s Workshop has a 140.0% ROI. The key is to identify cards with high raw value and strong potential for high grades, as the premium for PSA 10 condition is substantial.

How much does it cost to complete the Antiquities set?

The estimated floor for a complete Antiquities set, based on the sum of its top 8 raw cards at $7,452, is likely between $7,452 and $8,942, using a 1.0–1.2x multiplier for commons and bulk. This figure does not include the extreme cost of acquiring top-tier cards in pristine condition and assumes reasonable pricing for lower-value cards.

Is Antiquities considered a vintage Magic: The Gathering set?

Antiquities was released in 2007, placing it in the earlier era of Magic: The Gathering expansions. While not as old as Alpha or Beta, it is considered a significant and collectible set with historical importance due to its early introduction of artifact themes and iconic cards.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into other valuable Magic: The Gathering sets, explore our Is Anthologies MTG Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review or Is Amonkhet MTG Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review. For a broader view of the TCG collectibles market, check out our main TCG Collectibles hub.