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MTG Stores & GMTG to be featured on Beckett Magic: The Gathering Magazine Fall 2010 Issue
Seattle, WA: Wednesday - 9/1/2010
MTGStores.com, LLC and Beckett Media, LLC announce for the Fall 2010 Issue of Beckett Magic: The Gathering Magazine, an exclusive three page article about MTG Stores and GMTG: Graded Magic Cards. In this article, Beckett interviews Daniel Chang, President & CEO of MTGStores.com, LLC & GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC on how both companies plan to, "Reinvent the Art of Collecting" in the world of Magic: The Gathering. To see the full article please click the pages below: If you have additional questions or concerns - please visit our FAQ or contact support@mtgstores.com.
MTG Stores launches www.mtgstores.com at GEN CON INDY 2010!
Indianapolis, IN: Monday - 8/16/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President and CEO, MTGStores.com, LLC
MTGStores.com, LLC and GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC premier at GEN CON INDY 2010 was HUGE success! Thousands of GEN CON guests visited the MTG Stores' booth next to Wizards of the Coast - The world's first Magic: The Gathering's social media & online marketplace website! Platinum sponsors, Card Kingdom, MTG Fanatic, ABU Games & CCGHouse.com were featured at the event. GEN CON attendees received thousands of dollars savings and prizes from our valued platinum sponsors! PSA (www.psacard.com) Limited Edition GEN CON INDY 2010 PROMO graded Magic: The Gathering cards were passed out to only 500 lucky fans. In the front inner cover of the GEN CON INDY 2010 program - PSA's full color advertisement solidified their commitment to expand the already flourishing graded magic card market. Collectors, dealers and players worldwide stop by to visit MTG Stores booth to have their picture taken with the original Juzam Djinn. Mark Tedin, Anson Maddocks, and Drew Tucker all attended this event at the MTG Stores booth - signing fans cards, drawing custom artwork on playmats and producing creative alterations for the crowd! In collaboration with Mindshift Media - Tyler Griffin interviewed with renowned Magic: The Gathering artists such as Tom Baxa, Mark Poole, Susan Van Camp, Ruth Thompson and Drew Tucker! In addition, MTG Stores and GMTG: Graded Magic Cards will be releasing to the public official introduction videos of both businesses. Each video will be personalized and showcasing the vision and people - "Reinventing the art of of collecting" with a personalized touch! Check out all the photos, videos and promotions at the MTG Stores' GEN CON INDY 2010 page. If you weren't able to attend, no worries! You'll be able to enjoy some of the awesome promos including:
If you have additional questions or concerns - please visit our FAQ or contact support@mtgstores.com.
Highest Graded BGS 9.5 Beta Chaos Orb sells for record price $3,500 USD!!!
Seattle, WA: Thursday- 8/12/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of the highest graded Chaos Orb in the world - a BGS 9.5 for $3,500 USD. What makes this piece even more special is that Mark Tedin, the original artist has signed the card on the case with a personalized message to the owner! The Chaos Orb is one of the most recognizable vintage Magic: The Gathering cards in the game. It has been banned from tournaments due the power of its game play ability and use. Some players have even ripped up the card in several pieces - scattering the Chaos Orb over the opponents cards. The iconic image of devastation and power from the Chaos Orb remains a mainstay in the minds of players, especially those who had the privilege of opening a booster pack or starter deck of Beta back in 1993. Collectors know the Chaos Orb as one of the toughest cards to find centered and in unplayed condition. Most Orb's have been played extensively, with considerable wear on the edges and corners. Examples pack fresh ungraded demand $125 to $200. PSA 9 & BGS 9 examples have fetched as high as $400 in the past. Due to the fact the Chaos Orb was printed only in the Alpha, Beta & Unlimited Core Sets, there are only so many examples left in the marketplace - with a high demand to own one of the most iconic artworks every created in the game. With two PRISTINE 10 sub-grades awarded for the corners & edges, this example exudes the highest standard in grading and perfection. In addition, the centering has achieved GEM MINT status, which is by far the most challenging sub-grade for the card to receive. The lucky owner remains private, but as revealed to us that this is one of his favorite cards of all-time! Be sure to visit the GMTG: Graded Magic Cards Store for other rarities and both graded & ungraded. You will not find a larger selection of vintage paintings, altered work, artist proofs, singles, playsets and much more!
Seattle, WA: Wednesday - 7/7/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
MTG Stores and GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC are extremely proud to announce The Original Juzam Djinn Artwork will be showcased at GEN CON INDY 2010 at the MTG Stores' Booth #1925. The Juzam Djinn was acquired by GMTG from the original artist Mark Tedin earlier this year. One of the most iconic pieces ever created, the Juzam Djinn is the first creature to exhibit damage to you but at higher strength to casting cost ratio. From a collectible standpoint, it is a fan favorite, where hardcore-collectors have multiple copies of this relic. What is the enigma of the Juzam? Being a part of the fabled Arabian Nights Expansion Set may have something to do with it. Maybe its the artwork itself - the devilish eyes, teeth and horns? We would love to here your opinions at our community blog. One thing is for sure, if the Juzam was a real person, the Magic: The Gathering paparazzi will be stalking him 24/7. If you would like to view see more of the Juzam, please visit GMTG's MTG Stores listing or eBay listing. Even more exciting - take your picture at GEN CON INDY 2010 with Mark Tedin - the Original Artist of the Juzam Djinn! Visit MTG Stores' Booth #1925 and bring your camera! Click here for more details of this special promotion.
Pictures of the Original Juzam Djinn Artwork ::
PSA 10 Alpha Magic: The Gathering :: Rarity in Grade & Signature
Seattle, WA: Wednesday - 5/19/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President and CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announce three unique PSA 10 Alpha Magic: The Gathering pieces sold recently - Mox Jet, Nightmare and Living Wall. PSA 10 Alpha MTG rarities continually command top dollar, due to population, scarcity and popularity. GMTG examines each card in more detail for collectors and prospective investors in the community. The Mox Jet Alpha Edition has always been one of the most difficult Power 9 cards ever to achieve PSA 10 grade. This particular example was sold privately for nearly $5,000 USD. Centering is by far the most challenging metric for the Alpha Jet. Most examples exhibit a centering of 70/30 or worse and tend to be shifted towards the bottom right corner. In addition to centering, the corners and edges on Alpha cards always come into play. Back in MTG's earlier days, cards were heavily played without protective sleeves. Have you ever shuffled a deck of MTG cards? Shuffling causes, bending, corner and edge chipping, immediately leaving most examples grading PSA 7 or lower. The last grading metric, surface, has probably been the most over looked for many years. When it comes to grading, any sign of play wear, dings, nicks, scratches, or surface damage results in a lower grade. When a card has significant play wear, expect the grade to be in the PSA 8 or lower range automatically. One of the most popular cards in terms of artwork has always been the infamous Nightmare, by Melissa Benson. This beautiful card has been an iconic piece of MTG history and remains one of the most beautiful and recognizable. Although it has been reprinted, the original Alpha Nightmare is the holy grail to many secondary collectors. This particular PSA 10 is the ONLY one of its kind. It was sold to a private collector for nearly $3,000 USD. What makes the Alpha Nightmare such a grading "nightmare" has always been its centering and edge wear issues. GMTG has encountered several examples with extensive lifting or manufacture cut issues on the bottom edge. In addition, the centering tends to favor the right more than the left. This is due to the location of the uncut sheet and poor printing quality back in 1993. Lastly, the surface of the Alpha Nightmare tends to be extremely poor, due to the fact it was one of the most used creatures in a black mana deck. Being a flying creature, with a special attributes (which was rare back in the day), most cards were badly damaged with play wear. Collector's that appreciate signatures will rejoice, as this PSA 10 Alpha Living Wall is the first of its kind. If you click on the picture of the Living Wall, you'll find a beautiful Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA & PSA/DNA. This beautiful LOA was personally signed by Joe Orlando, President of PSA & PSA/DNA, guaranteeing its authenticity for a lifetime. What makes this item so special isn't just the price tag - world record sale for $400 USD for a $1.50 uncommon - it has been personally autographed by Anson Maddocks, the original artist! Even more important, this piece has been awarded PSA 10 for the card grade 10 GEM MINT Autograph Grade by PSA/DNA. What a rarity to have a perfect signature and card from the Original Alpha Magic: The Gathering Set! A special note about signatures of Magic: The Gathering for collectors. In the past, artists would sign cards for collectors, players, or dealers at shows and conventions. Today, vintage MTG artists rarely sign at these events, and some have migrated to other careers or projects. Thus, finding an artist to sign a card or collectible has been a very challenging task throughout the years (I am a collector of MTG signatures and artwork). Also, when considering autograph grading, the metrics rely on the flow, pen quality, technique and consistency of the autograph. Each autograph must exhibit all of these characteristics in perfect form to achieve a GEM MINT 10 rating. If you're interested in learning more about PSA grading please visit MTG Stores' Grading Center or our dedicated PSA Grading Center for more information. In addition, please visit our FREE MTG Stores' Online Price Guide featuring pricing for graded magic cards.
BGS 9.5 MTG Magic: The Gathering Alpha Black Lotus signed by Richard Garfield, sold for World Record Price of $25,000 USD - crowned The Most Expensive MTG Collectible in the World!
Seattle, WA: Saturday - 3/20/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of a BGS 9.5 MTG Magic: The Gathering ALPHA BLACK LOTUS, SIGNED on the case by Richard Garfield for $25,000 USD. This piece shatters the previous sales of the BGS 9.5 ALPHA Black Lotus of $19,000 USD and BGS 9.5 BETA Black Lotus of $20,000 USD. This balanced sub-grade example (All subs are 9.5's) is the World's Most Expensive MTG Collectible. "We were blown away when we saw the beauty of this card prior to submission. I thought this had a chance for a BGS 10. Simply the most beautiful example of the Alpha Black Lotus we have ever seen, this is Baseball's T206 Honus Wagner equivalent. What makes this piece even more special is the personalized signature from Richard Garfield, creator of Magic: The Gathering," says Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG. The owner of this remains private, however the piece will be on public display at MTG Store's Booth #1925 @ GEN CON 2010. Be sure to visit our booth and have you're picture taken with a piece of MTG History! To learn about about MTG Stores' and GMTG's special promotions, please visit our GEN CON INDY 2010 page for more details.
The ONLY GEM MINT Alpha BGS 9.5 Counterspell sold for $1,850.00 USD!!!
Seattle, WA: Monday - 3/1/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of a BGS 9.5 MTG Magic: The Gathering ALPHA COUNTERSPELL, the only one in existence in GEM MINT grade! Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG explains, "The Alpha Counterspell is one of the RAREST pieces in the game in terms of grading. Alpha examples are extremely off-centered, most examples are 70/30 or worse in the front. One of the most useful cards in game-play, finding MINT copies are almost impossible to find. Another extremely important reason this card receive such a high price tag are the sub grades. This example has two Pristine subs - Corners and Edges. BGS examples with higher sub-grades command premium prices. With no PSA 10 examples existence, this is truly the ONLY one in the world of its kind!" Mr. Al Scapone from Lynchburg, Virginia is the proud owner of this MTG Rarity. To learn more about grading and how condition sensitive cards like this Alpha Counterspell are extremely hard to find, please visit the GMTG's Grading Center.
Seattle, WA: Tuesday - 3/10/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
Anson Maddocks - renowned vintage Magic: The Gathering Artist and GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC have entered an exclusive partnership to offer the first PSA & PSA/DNA Signed and Altered Artist Proofs to the marketplace. Anson is best known for his original works from the Alpha Set such as Elvish Archers, Cyclopean Tomb, Hurloon Minotaur and Llanowar Elves. He has also created some later pieces such as the Fallen Angel, Maze of Ith, and Drop of Honey. Exclusive to GMTG, Anson Maddocks will creating original artwork alterations on his limited edition artists proofs. Artists proofs were limited to 50 for the Collector's Edition (Beta) Set. These proofs were given to the original artists ONLY and never reproduced. Latter sets, such as Antiquities, Legends, The Dark, had print runs higher than 50, ranging as high as 200. Artists Proofs were unique because they had a "blank" white surface on the back. To learn more about Artists Proofs please visit our Grading Center. These altered artists proofs are considered extremely "rare" as most artist charge up to $100 - $200 USD for such commissions. The most powerful part to this partnership is the authentication of these proofs. The proofs will encapsulated by PSA/DNA. Each proof will exclusive and numbered 1/1, signed and dated by Anson himself. Lastly, GMTG will be offering Anson Maddocks Artist Proofs Signed and authenticated, where the autographs will be graded by PSA/DNA. As many collectors are aware of PSA graded magic cards, the value of these prized collectibles have increased in value dramatically throughout the years. Owning a signed artists proof that is certified and graded is simply a treasure collector's will enjoy forever! To learn more about PSA Graded Magic Cards please go our Grading Center or PSA's March, 2007 store published in the Sports Market Report (SMR).
MTG Stores and Mindshift Media offer and exclusive Business Development & Marketing Opportunity for MTG Store owners - "The Gen Con 2010 Multimedia Innovation"
Seattle, WA: Wednesday - 3/3/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, MTGStores.com, LLC
MTGStores.com, LLC and Mindshift Media offer an exclusive Business Development & Marketing Opportunity for MTG Store Owners ONLY - "The GEN CON 2010 Multimedia Innovation." MTG Stores and Mindshift Media have partnered to bring the innovative multimedia offering the industry. Imagine, your business with a customized, full video production, including motion graphics, logo and visual enhancements, on-site show testimonials, and much more! This exclusive opportunity will be limited to a handful of select clients at the GEN CON 2010 convention. Please contact tyler@mindshift-media.com to learn more about this amazing opportunity! To view a video example of what you can expect for your business at GEN CON 2010, please visit the MTG Stores' Multimedia Center.
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC, division of MTGStores.com LLC becomes the First PSA Authorized Dealer for MTG Collectibles
Seattle, WA: Tuesday - 2/23/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC, division of MTGStores.com, LLC - becomes the First PSA Authorized Dealer for MTG cards. Effective immediately, GMTG has finalized its partnership and will be beginning branding with PSA & PSA/DNA, offer submission specials through MTGStores.com, branding & marketing at conventions/shows and areas involved in grading & autograph authentication.
MTG Stores meets with Anson Maddocks and Mark Tedin at Worldwake Pre-Release
Seattle, WA: Saturday - 1/30/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, MTGStores.com, LLC
MTG Stores meeting with Legendary Vintage MTG Artists Anson Maddocks and Mark Tedin at the Worldwake Pre-Release was a huge success! Both Daniel Chang, President & CEO and Troy Wiltbank, Vice President of Sales/Marketing of MTG Stores engaged in discussions of exclusive signings, grading of altered, signed and artists proofs in partnership with PSA/DNA. The event also marked the first time witnessing of Anson and Mark's signatures of the "Earlier Years of MTG." Bryon Walters of PSA/DNA was a witness of exclusive signings. In late April 2010, The Premier PSA/DNA Authenticated Cards or Artists Proofs that will be signed by the artists. The autograph grading is the first of its kind for MTG Marketplace. "We are extremely excited to be working with Anson and Mark in offering the FIRST ever PSA/DNA Autograph grading of MTG cards. Graded Magic Cards has had a long standing relationship with PSA & PSA/DNA, and look forward to marketing these exclusive products to the MTG community," says Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG. Graded Magic Cards sold a PSA 10 Alpha Black Lotus for nearly $19,000 in 2009. Authenticated MTG has increased in popularity over the years, for several factors - rarity, condition, artwork, and game play value. PSA/DNA's autograph grading of these amazing collectibles will continue the already magical legacy to a new dimension of collecting.
BGS 9.5 MTG Magic: The Gathering Beta Black Lotus sells for $9,750.00 USD!!!
Seattle, WA: Monday - 1/4/2010 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of a BGS 9.5 MTG Magic: The Gathering BETA BLACK LOTUS for $9,750.00. This sale represents one of the highest sales for the Beta Black Lotus in MTG History. "Simply one of the finest examples ever sold, we are proud to have had the honor to be able to sell this amazing piece of MTG history," says Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG. The Beta Black Lotus is the most iconic card in the World of MTG. Arguably, the most powerful card in game play, the combination of rarity, artwork, and play value - collectors consider this the "Holy Grail" of MTG collectibles. The identity of the new owner remains private, but the collector is an avid fan of GMTG cards and other MTG rarities.
MINT Splendid Genesis sells for $2,500.00 USD!!!
Seattle, WA: Monday - 7/13/2009 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of the extremely RARE, MINT Splendid Genesis for $2,500.00. Splendid Genesis is one of the "Super Rare" Richard Garfield created cards. The creator of Magic, himself, created 110 copies of this particular card, handing it out only to close friends and highly regarded Wizards of the Coast employees. The card itself was made to celebrate the birth of Richard's first child. Consequently, the intention and rarity of this item make it an extremely rare and valuable part of Magic's rich history. "Simply a marvel of collecting, this example is MINT, unplayed and in fantastic condition for its age. With such a high level of sentiment and beauty, the Splendid Genesis offers both the nostalgic intrinsic value that makes MTG so amazing," says Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG.
PRISTINE BGS 10 MTG Magic: The Gathering Beta Black Lotus sells for $20,000 USD!!!
Seattle, WA: Thursday - 12/1/2005 Written by: Daniel Chang, President & CEO, GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC
GMTG: Graded Magic Cards, LLC announces the sale of a BGS 10 Beta Black Lotus, the Highest Graded Magic: The Gathering collectible in the world. Not only the rarest, it is the most expensive, selling for $20,000 USD! Darren Adams, owner of High Grade Magic from Federal Way, WA. "Simply the finest Beta Black Lotus in existence, we are very proud to have had the opportunity to handle such an important piece in MTG history. This piece signifies a powerful statement that Graded Magic Cards (GMTG) will be the future for MTG collectibles," says Daniel Chang, President & CEO of GMTG. This famous piece is MTG history is currently being offered by High Grade Magic at www.highgrademagic.com.
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