Contamination
Contamination Price Summary
As of Aug 8, 2026, the cheapest tracked printing of Contamination is $5.49 (MB2 #178), and the most expensive is $37.88 (MB2 #178, Foil). The benchmark price (cheapest playable nonfoil) is $12.16, up 0.6% over 7 days, down 2.1% over 30 days, up 29.9% over 90 days. All-time tracked high: $12.64 (2026).
Contamination Printings & Prices
Contamination has 3 tracked printings across 3 sets, in nonfoil and foil finishes.
Sell Contamination: Buylist Offers
Card Kingdom currently pays $20.00 cash for MB2 #178 (Foil); the retail-buylist spread on that printing is 60% (wide).
| Buyer | Printing | Finish | Cash offer | Retail | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoolStuffInc | MB2 #178 | Foil | $27.00 | — | — |
| starcitygames | MB2 #178 | Foil | $20.00 | — | — |
| Card Kingdom | MB2 #178 | Foil | $20.00 | $49.99 | 60% |
| starcitygames | USG #123 | Nonfoil | $12.00 | — | — |
| CoolStuffInc | USG #123 | Nonfoil | $11.00 | — | — |
| Card Kingdom | USG #123 | Nonfoil | $9.00 | $19.99 | 55% |
| Card Kingdom | PLST #USG-123 | Nonfoil | $6.00 | $12.99 | 54% |
| Card Kingdom | MB2 #178 | Nonfoil | $3.10 | $7.49 | 59% |
| CoolStuffInc | MB2 #178 | Nonfoil | $2.00 | — | — |
| starcitygames | MB2 #178 | Nonfoil | $2.00 | — | — |
Contamination Rules Text & Legality
At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice this enchantment unless you sacrifice a creature.
If a land is tapped for mana, it produces {B} instead of any other type and amount.
Contamination is legal in Legacy and Commander, and not legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern and Pauper.
Contamination Rulings
- Oct 4, 2004 External effects that generate more mana still generate their additional mana as directed without being affected by this card. Effects which generate more mana based on what type of mana the land produces will be affected in color but not in amount.
- Oct 4, 2004 The second ability of this card is a replacement effect, not a triggered ability.
- Oct 4, 2004 You choose whether to sacrifice a creature or not on resolution. If not, then you sacrifice Contamination. You can choose to not sacrifice even if you no longer control Contamination on resolution.
Reprints & Reprint Risk
Contamination has been reprinted 4 times.
| Set | Date | Rarity | Treatment | 90 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB2 #178 | 2024-08-02 | Rare | Standard | $4.00 |
| MB2 #178 | 2024-08-02 | Rare | Standard | $83.47 |
| PLST #USG-123 | 2022-04-29 | Rare | Standard | — |
| USG #123 | 1998-10-12 | Rare | Standard | — |
MB2 #178 
PLST #USG-123 
USG #123 Contamination in Commander
Contamination is the #7,856 most-played card on EDHREC, down 49 places over the last 30 days.
Contamination FAQ
How much is Contamination worth?
Contamination is worth about $12.16 for its cheapest playable printing as of Aug 8, 2026. Prices range from $5.49 to $37.88 across 3 tracked printings.
Is Contamination legal in Commander?
Yes — Contamination is legal in Commander. It is also legal in Legacy.
Has Contamination been reprinted?
Yes — Contamination has been reprinted 4 times, with 3 printings tracked on The Index.
Why is Contamination expensive?
Contamination trades at $12.16 on printing supply and steady demand.