I've been on the hunt to get ten basic beta lands for my collection recently. Hopefully I can simply trade some current stuff to get them... but sometimes I find deals on them. In this case, it was an eBay auction.
It was shown as 3 beta Forest, the same version, starting bid of $2.50, but I won it for $4.25. I didn't expect them to be in great shape, but very well played. As long as they were not chewed on by rats, I would be happy- they were going to be sleeved during play anyhow.
When I got them, there was something different... I noticed right away. The corners were more rounded than normal cards. They had Alpha lands, not Beta.
For most players, they will never know the difference... its old, its black bordered. Whats the deal?
Well, Alpha cards actually have a more rounded corner than their next printing of Beta. I would consider these cards rating to be at about Moderately Played... according to the TCG Player grading guide.
The Beta value of this card, according to TCG, is about $3 a land.
The Alpha value of this card, according to TCG, is about $3- $4 a land.
A smidge more... but a tad bit cooler on the "what is that" factor.
