What do Magic: The Gathering rarity symbols mean?
Reading the symbol
Magic cards print a small symbol next to the set information. Common cards use a black circle, uncommon cards use a silver diamond, rares use a gold shape, and mythic rares use an orange-red shape. Some sets and special products use different symbols or add bonus rarities.
Rarity is a guide to how many copies were printed in a booster pack, not a promise of value. A common card can be expensive if it is widely played, and a rare can be inexpensive if nobody wants it.
- Common: black circle
- Uncommon: silver diamond
- Rare: gold
- Mythic rare: orange-red
Why rarity alone is not enough
Price depends on demand, playability in formats, and the printing version. Foil, promo, and special treatments can change the value of the same card. Check recent sold prices for the exact printing before you decide what a card is worth.
Set information matters too. A card from an older set may be worth more or less depending on how popular the set is with players today.
Special sets and bonus sheets sometimes use their own symbols, so check the set before assuming a symbol means what it normally does. Reading the full printing details is the most reliable way to know what you have.
Common mistakes
- Assuming mythic means valuable for every card.
- Ignoring foil and promo versions when checking a price.
