Released in December 1993, MTG Arabian Nights was the first-ever expansion and a defining moment for the game. Inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and tales from One Thousand and One Nights, the set introduced exotic themes, unique mechanics, and artwork unlike anything seen before in Magic. With a tiny print run compared to modern standards, every sealed product and single card from Arabian Nights carries historical weight.
For collectors, it represents the very start of Magic’s expansion era. For players, it’s remembered for powerful and sometimes bizarre designs that shaped the game’s earliest formats. Nearly three decades later, Arabian Nights remains one of the most desirable and culturally important sets in MTG history.
MTG Arabian Nights Sealed Products
- Arabian Nights 1993 Booster Box: The booster box is the crown jewel of the set, containing 60 packs from the very first expansion. Few remain sealed today, and when they do surface, they often become headline sales at major auctions. For serious collectors, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime piece of Magic history.
- Arabian Nights 1993 Booster Pack: Individual packs are treasured for both their nostalgia and investment appeal. Each one holds the possibility of pulling some of Magic’s most iconic cards, which is why many are kept sealed as display pieces. With prices steadily climbing, even a single pack has become a centerpiece in collections.
Top 10 Arabian Nights Cards
10. Serendib Efreet (Arabian Nights 1993)
Serendib Efreet became a staple in early blue strategies thanks to its efficient 3/4 body for only three mana. Despite its drawback of dealing damage to its controller, the sheer power level made it a tournament all-star in the 1990s. Collectors also prize it for the misprinted Revised Edition version that confused its art and frame. Its mix of competitive history and collectible intrigue makes it one of Arabian Nights’ most famous cards.
9. City in a Bottle (Arabian Nights 1993)
City in a Bottle stands out as one of the strangest cards ever printed, banning Arabian Nights cards from the battlefield while it’s in play. The effect was incredibly narrow but deeply flavorful, essentially turning the set against itself. For collectors, it’s sought after because no other Magic card invalidates an entire expansion like this one. Its quirky role and historic significance keep demand strong among Arabian Nights enthusiasts.
8. Drop of Honey (Arabian Nights 1993)
Drop of Honey functions as an early version of creature control in green, slowly destroying the smallest creatures turn after turn. Its rarity and unique design, comparable to The Abyss in black, give it lasting value among collectors. Because it has never been reprinted due to its unusual flavor and effect, original copies remain in high demand. It appeals to both gameplay historians and those chasing rare enchantments from Magic’s early days.
7. Shahrazad (Arabian Nights 1993)
Shahrazad is perhaps the most famous novelty card ever created, forcing players to stop their match and play a subgame of Magic. While impractical in tournaments and ultimately banned, it became an instant collector’s favorite for its bold design. Its flavor ties perfectly to the source material, where stories lead into other stories. For collectors, the combination of uniqueness, controversy, and historical importance makes Shahrazad a must-have.
6. Diamond Valley (Arabian Nights 1993)
Diamond Valley is a non-mana-producing land that sacrifices creatures for life gain, a highly unusual effect for its era. Its scarcity and originality make it extremely collectible, especially as it has never seen a reprint. For Commander players, it still holds appeal in life-gain strategies despite its age. The combination of rarity, utility, and early Magic history ensures its long-term value.
5. Guardian Beast (Arabian Nights 1993)
Guardian Beast’s ability to protect artifacts gave it unique utility, especially in formats where powerful artifacts dominated. It quickly became a card players admired not just for its effect but also for its mysterious and fitting artwork. Since it has never been reprinted, Arabian Nights copies are the only way to own one. Its combination of strong mechanics and collectible scarcity make it highly sought after.
4. City of Brass (Arabian Nights 1993)
City of Brass became one of the best mana-fixing lands in Magic, letting players tap for any color at the cost of one life. It appeared in countless competitive decks across formats for decades. While it has been reprinted many times, the Arabian Nights version is the one collectors covet most. Its blend of playability and first-print prestige secures its place among the set’s best.
3. Library of Alexandria (Arabian Nights 1993)
Library of Alexandria is often considered one of the most powerful lands ever printed, offering consistent card draw with almost no downside. It became so dominant that it remains restricted in Vintage. For collectors, its scarcity and reputation as one of Magic’s strongest cards make it an elite grail. High-grade copies are especially valuable, as demand shows no signs of slowing.
2. Bazaar of Baghdad (Arabian Nights 1993)
Bazaar of Baghdad defined entire archetypes in eternal formats, fueling graveyard decks with its draw-discard ability. Its role in decks like Dredge and other reanimation strategies cemented its legacy in competitive Magic. Since it has never been reprinted, collectors chase Arabian Nights copies with intensity. Its mix of raw power, eternal playability, and extreme rarity put it near the top of any ranking.
1. Juzam Djinn (Arabian Nights 1993)
Juzam Djinn is the face of Arabian Nights and one of the most recognizable cards in Magic’s history. At four mana for a 5/5, it was one of the strongest creatures of its time despite its life-loss drawback. Its stunning Mark Tedin artwork has become iconic, making it a cultural touchstone for collectors. More than any other card, Juzam Djinn represents the power, mystery, and allure of early Magic.
Arabian Nights isn’t just Magic’s first expansion—it’s a piece of trading card game history. With scarce sealed products and singles that remain legendary decades later, the set continues to capture the imagination of collectors and players alike. Whether you’re chasing iconic cards like Juzam Djinn or admiring the cultural flavor of the set, Arabian Nights stands as one of the most important milestones in Magic’s legacy.
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