Theros set symbol
To spot Theros, start with the expansion glyph (code THS) rather than the artwork. Reprints keep famous art under new symbols.
Set code
ths
Released
Sep 2013
Cards
249
Type
Expansion
Lookalikes & traps
Borderless and showcase frames of Nykthos, Shrine / Scryfall still need the THS line; a fancy frame is not a different set by itself. Also watch foil vs nonfoil: sheen does not change which set Theros is.
Confirm after the icon
Bottom information line should show collector number + set code THS (and usually a C/U/R/M rarity letter). On Nykthos, Shrine / Scryfall, mismatch between listing title and THS is the usual bait-and-switch.
How to identify Theros cards
- 1
Locate the Theros set mark (THS) before you trust the card name — reprints reuse names across products.
- 2
Read rarity from symbol color on Theros: black common, silver uncommon, gold rare, orange mythic — foil sheen does not change it.
- 3
Verify THS on the bottom line; listings that only show the card name are where Theros get mixed with siblings.
- 4
If icon and THS still disagree with a marketplace title, scan with Tappr rather than guessing from art.
Rarity by symbol color
Modern rarity colors on the Theros symbol: black common (white only in rare one-set exceptions like Dominaria), silver uncommon, gold rare, orange/red-orange mythic. Foil, showcase, and borderless treatments keep the same rarity color — they change finish/frame, not the C/U/R/M letter.
Legend shows the modern post-Exodus palette. Pre-Exodus sets and special rarities (for example Time Spiral purple timeshifted) follow the rarity reading above — not this swatch row alone.
FAQ
What does the Theros set symbol look like?
To spot Theros, start with the expansion glyph (code THS) rather than the artwork. Reprints keep famous art under new symbols. Reprints of Nykthos, Shrine / Scryfall under other codes keep different glyphs — match the icon, then THS.
What is the Theros set code?
The set code is THS. It appears with the collector number on modern cards. If you see a different code, you are not holding the Theros printing even when the name matches.
How do I read rarity on a Theros card?
Modern rarity colors on the Theros symbol: black common (white only in rare one-set exceptions like Dominaria), silver uncommon, gold rare, orange/red-orange mythic. Foil, showcase, and borderless treatments keep the same rarity color — they change finish/frame, not the C/U/R/M letter.
How do I confirm a Theros card quickly?
Icon match → rarity reading for this era → THS + collector number. Borderless and showcase frames of Nykthos, Shrine / Scryfall still need the THS line; a fancy frame is not a different set by itself.. Tappr can finish the printing match when the listing is ambiguous.
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