How to Identify Which Set a Magic Card Is From
Identify any Magic: The Gathering card's set: set symbols, set codes and collector numbers on modern cards, and border, copyright and frame clues on old ones.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
The same Magic card can appear in a dozen sets, and the set decides its value. Here's how to identify any card's set, from 1993 to today.
Modern cards (2014 onward): easiest
Look at the bottom left. You'll see something like:
123/281 R DMU • EN
- 123/281: collector number and set size (some newer cards show only the number)
- R: rarity
- DMU: three-letter set code (Dominaria United)
- EN: language
Search the set code + number and you have the exact printing.
Cards from about 1998–2014
These have the collector number at the bottom (like "45/350") and the set symbol on the right of the type line, but no set code. Match the symbol with a set symbol list.
Old cards (1993–1997)
No collector numbers. Use:
- Set symbol: many early core sets (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised) have no set symbol.
- Border color: Alpha and Beta have black borders; Unlimited and Revised have white borders.
- Corners: Alpha corners are more rounded than Beta.
- Copyright line and artist credit differ between printings.
- Revised often looks washed out compared with Unlimited.
See old MTG card values.
Special products
- Commander decks and Secret Lair drops have their own set codes.
- Collectors' Edition / International Edition: square corners and gold-bordered backs; not tournament legal.
- The List / Mystery Booster reprints have a small planeswalker symbol in the bottom left.
- Promos often have a stamp (e.g., a set symbol and date stamp for prerelease cards).
Why the frame matters
Modern sets print special frames (borderless, showcase, extended art, retro). They share the set code but have different collector numbers, usually higher than the main set.
Reprint sets to know
Popular cards are reprinted in sets made for collectors and Commander players, and those reprints usually cost less than the originals:
- Masters sets (Modern Masters, Eternal Masters, Double Masters and others)
- Commander Legends and Commander precon decks
- Remastered sets for digital-to-paper classics
- Secret Lair drops with alternate art
If your card has a modern frame but an old card name, check the set code: it's almost certainly a reprint.
Try it on your own cards
Scan the card with Rarefolio: it matches the artwork and reads the set information, then shows an estimated market value. For older cards without numbers, double-check the border and corners before trusting any price. See MTG card scanner tips.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the set of a Magic card?
On modern cards, read the set code and collector number at the bottom left. On older cards, use the set symbol on the type line, border color and copyright line.
Why doesn't my Magic card have a set symbol?
Early core sets like Alpha, Beta, Unlimited and Revised were printed without set symbols.
What is the difference between Alpha and Beta?
Both have black borders, but Alpha cards have noticeably more rounded corners than Beta.
What does the small planeswalker symbol mean?
It marks reprints from The List or Mystery Booster products.