A 1993 Limited Edition Alpha Black Lotus graded CGC Pristine 10 was reported sold privately for $3 million in April 2024. The buyer was not named. CGC called it the highest price paid for a Magic: The Gathering card at the time; the available reporting does not establish whether that record still stands as of October 4, 2026.
Which Magic card sold for $3 million?
It was an Alpha Black Lotus, one of the original cards from Magic: The Gathering’s 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set. The specific copy received a CGC Pristine 10 grade. CGC announced the sale on April 29, 2024, reporting that Adam Cai of Pristine Collectibles sold it privately to an undisclosed buyer for $3 million. CGC’s sale report identifies the card, grade, parties and reported price.
The price was also reported by Star City Games, whose GM of Sales, Ben Bleiweiss, said he confirmed the amount directly with Cai. That provides separate trade-press corroboration, but the sale was private rather than a publicly documented auction. Star City Games’ report does not identify the buyer.
Was it a record, and is it still one?
CGC described the $3 million transaction as the highest price paid for a Magic card in its April 2024 announcement. Its August 2024 collector overview still described the sale as the record. Those statements establish the claim as reported in 2024, not that it remains the all-time record today. CGC’s collector overview is dated September 2024; the available reporting does not verify whether a later sale surpassed it by October 4, 2026.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- An Epic Way To Relax: Officially Licensed Product — Harness mana-boosting power with this game-changing fleece throw blanket. The double-sided design pays tribute to the iconic Black Lotus card from Magic: The Gathering.
- Double-Sided Design: The blanket is styled after one of the most coveted Magic cards. Features the Deckmaster emblem on one side and Black Lotus card art with stats on the other, offering two dynamic display options.
- High-Quality Leisure: A cozy companion in any deck, this fleece blanket is made of 100% polyester for a soft feel. Perfect for keeping warm during all-night duels, curling up with Magic lore, or adding a magical touch to your home decor.
- Enjoy Spellbinding Snuggles: Wrap yourself in the legendary status of this throw blanket. Measuring approximately 45 x 60 inches, it's large enough for cuddles at home and portable enough to take along on game nights.
- Official MTG Collectible: Level up your comfort wrapped in this officially licensed Black Lotus throw blanket. Makes a cozy and collectible gift for any Magic: The Gathering player.
CGC said the Black Lotus sale exceeded the reported 2023 purchase by musician Post Malone of the serialized 1/1 The One Ring for more than $2 million. That comparison is CGC’s account of the earlier transaction, not a public auction comparison. The $3 million sale was for Black Lotus, not The One Ring.
Why can an Alpha Black Lotus command such a price?
Edition and scarcity
CGC’s September 2024 overview gives a print count of 1,008 for Alpha Black Lotus, compared with 3,025 for Beta Black Lotus. The Alpha edition is earlier, and CGC notes that excellent condition is difficult to find among early cards. Scarcity and condition help explain collector interest, but they do not by themselves determine what any individual copy will sell for.
Rank #2
- Name: Gilded Lotus
- Set: Dominaria
- A single individual card from the Magic: the Gathering (MTG) trading and collectible card game (TCG/CCG).
Condition and grading
The Pristine 10 grade belongs to this particular copy; it is not a grade shared by Black Lotus cards generally. CGC said it was the only CGC Pristine 10 example in its population report as of April 2024. Grading and encapsulation can document a third party’s assessment and protect a card in a holder, but a grade is not an appraisal or a promise of resale value.
Buyer demand and sale terms
The buyer’s identity and reasons for purchasing were not disclosed. Because this was a private transaction, its reported price should not be treated as a transparent market quote or as a typical Black Lotus value. Auction results for other cards are separate transactions and may differ in edition, condition, provenance, timing and sale terms; CGC’s overview draws on completed sales from Fanatics Collect, Heritage Auctions and Goldin, but those results are not the $3 million private sale.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the sale does—and does not—tell collectors
For personal-finance purposes, a headline price is evidence of one reported transaction, not a reliable forecast. The sale does not show that ordinary copies have similar value, that a high grade guarantees a buyer, or that a card will appreciate. Someone evaluating a card should distinguish the edition and condition, examine its provenance and grading documentation, and compare genuinely similar completed sales while noting whether they were private deals or public auctions.
Adam Cai called the card “one of the most amazing Alpha Black Lotuses I’ve ever seen,” according to CGC’s report. Matt Quinn, CGC Cards’ vice president, said the company graded it through a CrossOver submission in 2023. Both comments come from parties connected to the seller or grading process, rather than independent appraisers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Legendary Treasure: Celebrate the rare Black Lotus, symbol of power and devotion, a festive keepsake for collectors and cherished gift.
- Collector Spark: Hand-painted card with deep black enamel, gilded accents, jewel-tone shimmer and glittered border - glossy finish, a festive gift.
- Perfect Keepsake: A glittered Magic card ornament, a festive stocking stuffer for for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts or collectors
- Handcrafted Quality: Made from mouth-blown glass and hand-painted with traditional techniques from the 1800s.
- Timeless Collectible: Crafted to endure for generations, this ornament maintains its quality year after year, bringing lasting beauty and holiday joy.
Rank #4
- Name: Lotus Field
- Set: Core Set 2020
- A single individual card from the Magic: the Gathering (MTG) trading and collectible card game (TCG/CCG).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
