Modern Horizons 3 landed with the largest financial impact of any Magic set in recent memory. Designed specifically for the Modern format — meaning cards bypass Standard entirely and go straight into one of MTG's most competitive and expensive formats — MH3 introduced powerful new cards alongside reprints that immediately reshaped what decks are viable and what cards collectors are chasing.
Here's what's actually worth holding, what to sell while prices are high, and where the undervalued opportunities are hiding.
The Chase Cards: Hold or Sell?
Eldrazi tribal got a massive shot in the arm from MH3. Hold — Eldrazi have historically been fan favorites and any further support in future sets will push this higher.
A colorless land with meaningful Eldrazi synergy. Lands that see heavy play tend to retain value well because they're format-agnostic. Hold if you got in early. Check current eBay prices ↗
Borderless and Special Treatment Cards
MH3 introduced several premium treatments that are attracting collector interest beyond just gameplay value. These are the cards where the art direction genuinely elevates the card as an object.
Ajani's borderless treatment features stunning art that's drawn significant attention from pure collectors who don't even play Modern. Character-driven collector appeal can decouple a card's price from format legality.
Land reprints in MH3 brought previously expensive cards into reach, but the new borderless art treatments have become collector targets in their own right. Browse all MTG cards →
Sleeper Picks: Undervalued Cards
Not every powerful card gets immediate recognition. These MH3 cards are being underestimated relative to their long-term potential.
Wight of the Reliquary
A lands-matters card that's found a home in multiple archetypes. Currently priced below $10 despite seeing consistent play. If Lands decks continue to be supported, this climbs.
Fanatic of Rhonas
Currently under $5 and seeing fringe Modern play. Any shift in the meta toward creature-heavy strategies could make this a surprise gainer.
What Makes an MTG Card Collectible?
Magic has a more complex collector market than Pokémon because there are so many variables: format legality, edition, foiling, treatment type (borderless, extended art, showcase), signed copies, and artist proofs.
- Format legality: Cards playable in Modern, Legacy, or Commander hold value better than Standard-only cards which rotate out
- Foil premium: Foil versions of sought-after cards command significant premiums, especially older foils with the original wave pattern
- Older editions: Original printings (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited) of iconic cards are the "vintage" market of Magic — extremely valuable
- Reserved List: Wizards has promised never to reprint ~570 cards from early sets. These have an artificial supply cap that drives collector interest
MTG Collecting vs. Pokémon Collecting
The two markets work quite differently. Pokémon's value is driven heavily by nostalgia and character appeal — Charizard is worth more because people love Charizard, full stop. Magic's value is driven more by gameplay impact and reserved-list scarcity.
This means MTG cards can spike and crash faster as metagames shift, but Reserved List cards are among the most durable stores of value in all of TCG collecting.
Shop MH3 on eBay ↗ if you want to crack packs — but remember, the expected value calculation almost never favors buying sealed product at retail. Buy singles of the specific cards you want.
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