Mages' Contest
Mages' Contest Price Summary
As of Jul 23, 2026, the cheapest tracked printing of Mages' Contest is $15.78 (INV #154), and the most expensive is $90.78 (INV #154, Foil). The benchmark price (cheapest playable nonfoil) is $15.78, down 2.6% over 7 days, down 5.0% over 30 days, down 11.7% over 90 days. All-time tracked high: $19.22 (2026).
Mages' Contest Printings & Prices
Mages' Contest has 2 tracked printings across 2 sets, in nonfoil and foil finishes.
Sell Mages' Contest: Buylist Offers
Card Kingdom currently pays $32.50 cash for INV #154 (Foil); the retail-buylist spread on that printing is 50% (wide).
| Buyer | Printing | Finish | Cash offer | Retail | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card Kingdom | INV #154 | Foil | $32.50 | $64.99 | 50% |
| Card Kingdom | PLST #INV-154 | Nonfoil | $9.50 | $18.99 | 50% |
| Card Kingdom | INV #154 | Nonfoil | $6.00 | $12.99 | 54% |
Mages' Contest Rules Text & Legality
You and target spell's controller bid life. You start the bidding with a bid of 1. In turn order, each player may top the high bid. The bidding ends if the high bid stands. The high bidder loses life equal to the high bid. If you win the bidding, counter that spell.
Mages' Contest is legal in Legacy and Commander, and not legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern and Pauper.
Reprints & Reprint Risk
Mages' Contest has been reprinted 3 times.
| Set | Date | Rarity | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLST #INV-154 | 2022-04-29 | Rare | Standard |
| INV #154 | 2000-10-02 | Rare | Standard |
| INV #154 | 2000-10-02 | Rare | Standard |
PLST #INV-154 
INV #154 Mages' Contest in Commander
Mages' Contest is the #10,588 most-played card on EDHREC.
Mages' Contest FAQ
How much is Mages' Contest worth?
Mages' Contest is worth about $15.78 for its cheapest playable printing as of Jul 23, 2026. Prices range from $15.78 to $90.78 across 2 tracked printings.
Is Mages' Contest legal in Commander?
Yes — Mages' Contest is legal in Commander. It is also legal in Legacy.
Has Mages' Contest been reprinted?
Yes — Mages' Contest has been reprinted 3 times, with 2 printings tracked on The Index.
Why is Mages' Contest expensive?
Mages' Contest holds a $15.78 price because supply is limited to two printings.