---
title: Antiquities Set Overview
description: "**Antiquities** was **Magic: The Gathering’s** second expansion, released on **March 4, 1994**. It delved deeply into the lore of the **Brothers’ War**, focusing on artifacts and the conflict between Urza and Mishra. This was the first time a set told…"
url: "https://proxyking.biz/resources/antiquities-set-overview/"
updated: "2025-02-16"
category: MTG Sets
---

# Antiquities Set Overview

**Antiquities** was **Magic: The Gathering’s** second expansion, released on **March 4, 1994**. It delved deeply into the lore of the **Brothers’ War**, focusing on artifacts and the conflict between Urza and Mishra. This was the first time a set told a cohesive story through its cards, introducing players to an expansive, lore-driven universe beyond the basic fantasy realm of the early core sets.

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## Antiquities Set Info

| Set | Set Symbol | Symbol Description | Set Code | Pre-release Date | Release Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Antiquities |  | A stylized anvil design | ATQ | None | March 4, 1994 |

> *Note:* The **Antiquities** set symbol is commonly referenced as an anvil, representing the industrial and artifact-themed nature of the set.

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## Antiquities Card Counts

| Total Cards | Common | Uncommon | Rare | Mythic Rare | Basic Land | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 85 (approx.) | 30 (approx.) | 35 (approx.) | 20 (approx.) | N/A | 0 | N/A |

Because **Mythic Rare** did not exist at the time and **Basic Lands** were not part of the set, these categories are noted as **N/A**.

---

## More About Antiquities

**Antiquities** centered around artifacts and colorless cards, marking a significant shift in Magic’s design philosophy. The set also wove together a cohesive narrative—**Urza** and **Mishra**’s battle for dominance—through flavor text and card names. This storytelling approach laid the groundwork for future expansions with rich lore. Many of the artifacts and lands in **Antiquities** became highly sought after in competitive play due to their unique and powerful effects.

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## Notable Antiquities MTG Cards

Mishra’s Workshop

![Mishra's Workshop Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/3/135de5c7-6ac9-4b68-8f1a-97f120a4b125.jpg?1783948355)

A legendary land that taps for ![C](https://proxyking.biz/wp-content/plugins/mtg-card-shortcode/assets/symbols/C.webp)![C](https://proxyking.biz/wp-content/plugins/mtg-card-shortcode/assets/symbols/C.webp)![C](https://proxyking.biz/wp-content/plugins/mtg-card-shortcode/assets/symbols/C.webp), but only for casting artifact spells. It remains one of the most powerful and expensive lands in Vintage play.

[Candelabra of Tawnos](https://proxyking.biz/product/candelabra-of-tawnos-mtg-antiquities/)

![Candelabra of Tawnos Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/35a335bf-7358-460f-b7c9-1e8bc4300f64.jpg?1783948364)

This inexpensive artifact can untap multiple lands, enabling explosive mana ramp. Its rarity and utility make it highly valued.

[Transmute](https://proxyking.biz/encyclopedia/transmute/) Artifact

A blue sorcery that lets you trade one artifact for another—often a combo enabler in dedicated artifact decks, especially in Vintage and [Commander](https://proxyking.biz/mtg-formats/).

Urza’s “Tron Lands”

![Urza's Power Plant Magic: The Gathering card image](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/4/94896e0b-859c-47e4-bf27-35ed37b841e0.jpg?1783948352)

The three “Tron” lands generate massive amounts of mana when used together, making them a staple in various powerful strategies.

**Antiquities** proved that Magic’s storytelling potential could drive design and capture players’ imaginations. Its artifact theme and the Brothers’ War narrative have become fundamental pillars of [Magic lore](https://proxyking.biz/magic-the-gathering-lore-and-storyline-explained/), influencing future expansions and cementing the set’s place in collectible gaming history.