MTG Finance -> Basic lands!

Almost exactly 12 months ago, I posted that I had assembled an interesting set of lands to use for my draft basic lands. I was super thrilled with the idea of getting some old school bling. It was a personal quest for no good reason to be honest.

Alpha and Beta island order from May 2017, (source: TCG order history)

The most I spent on a single card, in terms of cash, was $12.50 on a Beta basic Island.
It was something I was happy to have. Something I thought would be cool and fun....



Well, those somethings changed a couple months ago without me realizing it. (analysis reveals a large rise between Dominara and M19) And by changed, I mean the values of ALL those cards went up. Some by quiet a bit. For the following, I am going to go off TCGplayer Market Price, which is pretty much the defacto pricing. The CHEAPEST beta basic is a Plains at $15.62. Also of note- condition changes a lot of things. As always, so some might be cheaper. Also also note- I have signed cards, which might affect pricing depending on the card and if you care about such things.

[note: these prices were as of 9/17/18]

• Plains (A) $15.62

  

  6 Beta Mountain, signed

• Forest (A) $16.56
• Plains (B) $17.00
• Mountain (A) $17.07
• Swamp (B) $17.68
• Mountain (C) $18.23
• Forest (C) $18.70
• Swamp (A) $18.96
• Mountain (B) $19.70
• Swamp (C) $21.94
• Island (B) $22.67
• Plains (C) $23.40
• Forest (B) $23.61
• Island (A) $26.80
• Island (C) $29.01

3 Alpha Island, signed

All of those prices are stupid. I don't know why they are at least three times as much as I paid just last year. I've heard it is Old School Magic pushing the values- maybe?

Then there are the 3 Alpha Islands I picked up. Two B and one A.

• Island (B) $46.98

• Island (A) $67.99

In theory that's like $160 for 3 basic lands.

3 Signed beta Forest

All my islands are signed. Most of my swamps and mountains. I have 3 plains signed. And the coup-de-gracie- I have a set of forest signed by Chris Rush. Which, I believe, are valued at about $60-$70 a pop.

What I do know, is that 'draft set' of Alpha and Beta basic lands are at least $700, likely more than $1000. (likely more than that) I don't think I would attempt to acquire any Alpha/Beta basics now. Out of my realm of "fun" pickups.

I did some checking with friends and such. The conclusion was that, unless I REALLY needed to trade or sell them- don't. Magic values very rarely go down. And as for the old stuff- they are ALWASY increasing. Always.

3 beta Swamps, signed

3 beta Plains signed, 3 not