CGC x JSA-certified Magic: The Gathering Collection of Artist Proofs Realizes More than Half a Million Dollars

An incredible set of Magic: The Gathering Artist Proof Limited Edition Beta cards certified by CGC and JSA realized more than half a million dollars in a recent Heritage Auctions sale. The set of 285 signed, sketched, and authenticated and/or graded cards was the centerpiece of Heritage’s Trading Card Games and Manga Signature Auction, which ended on June 26-27, 2026.

The near-complete set of 285 Magic: The Gathering (1993) Limited Edition Beta Artist Proof cards, each certified by CGC x JSA as authentic and signed by various artists (lot 37006) realized an impressive $575,000 on June 26. In addition to every card being signed by their respective artist, nearly every card has a sketch done by hand on the cards’ blank back. The set included the Power 9, with each including a sketch on the back (except for Black Lotus, which was signed by Christopher Rush, but not sketched).

“Full, third-party graded sets of Magic: The Gathering cards from the Limited Edition Alpha and Beta sets are seldom seen on auction platforms,” said Matt Quinn, CGC VP of TCG grading. “To have an Artist Proof set that is not only graded but also signed and sketched by the artists come to auction is an extremely rare event. We are honored to have had a hand in grading such a vital piece of TCG history.”

Other notable CGC-certified cards in the sale included:

• a Black Lotus, Magic: The Gathering (1993) Limited Edition Alpha graded CGC 7.5 and certified CGC x JSA Auto 10 as signed by Christopher Rush (lot 37002) that realized $78,125
• a complete set of 350 Magic: The Gathering (2002) Onslaught foil cards with 19 certified by CGC (lot 38038) that realized $10,313
• a Black Lotus, Magic: The Gathering (1993) Unlimited Edition certified as CGC Authenticated Altered (AA) (lot 38031) that realized $10,313
• a complete set of 143 Magic: The Gathering (1999) Urza’s Destiny foil cards, each graded CGC 5.5 through CGC Gem Mint 10 (lot 37008) that realized $10,000
• a Splendid Genesis, Magic: The Gathering (1997) Richard Garfield Event Special – Artist Copy graded CGC 8.5 and certified by CGC Signature Series as signed and sketched by Monique Thirifay (lot 37009)
• a Fraternal Exaltation, Magic: The Gathering (1999) Richard Garfield Event Special – Artist Copy graded CGC 6 and certified by CGC Signature Series as signed and sketched by Susan Garfield (lot 37010) that realized $10,00)
• a City of Traitors, Magic: The Gathering (1998) Test Print (Black Border Exodus) Factory – Foil – Black Text Box (-1) certified as CGC Authentic (AU) (lot 38034) that realized $10,000

All prices realized include a buyer's premium.