Recently, Wizards of the Coast released The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. The latest Universes Beyond Magic: The Gathering set contained many unique characters, mechanics, and locations from Tolkien's influential fantasy setting. Everything from iconic battles to the very temptations of The One Ring was represented in this set. In addition, Wizards of the Coast announced a one-of-a-kind Magic: The Gathering The One Ring card. It would feature Black Speech text and only be found in English-language booster packs. Now, one week after the release of this Magic set, this precious card has been found.
Magic: The Gathering The One Ring Discovery
The discovery of this one-of-a-kind version of The One Ring was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Soon afterward, the grading company PSA, known for authenticating and grading collectible cards based on their condition, confirmed this discovery with a screenshot. The lucky individual that managed to pull the card has elected to remain anonymous. This is understandable since there has been a $1 million bounty on the card by US collectibles seller Dave & Adams Card World. It is a bounty that lead to a worldwide search for the card, as well as theories that the card either didn't exist or was strategically placed in the set's gift bundles.
As for the condition of the Magic: The Gathering The One Ring card itself, it has received a Mint 9 grading by the PSA. That is the second-highest possible grading by the company; effectively one step below perfect mint condition. While the PSA refused to comment on this grading, it is speculated that the drop in condition may be due to the foil treatment of the card causing it to curl.
The discovery of The One Ring marks the end of one of Wizards of the Coast's more savvy uses of IP-based marketing. While there are serialized copies of the rings of power in the set, given to the dwarves, elves, and men of Middle-earth, the one audiences remember and are drawn to is the one built to control them all.
