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Scanning a Childhood Magic Collection

5 min read2026-07-20Updated 2026-08-01

Handle first, hype second

Sleeve anything that looks old or expensive before it hits a table edge. Nostalgia does not protect cardboard.

Scan in eras

Group by approximate age (white border, early black border, modern). It speeds recognition troubleshooting and helps you notice Reserved List candidates.

Expect mostly bulk

That is normal. The win is finding the few cards that are not bulk without reading every set symbol manually.

Decide keep vs sell with numbers

Use Tappr live prices plus your own attachment. Keeping a $3 childhood rare for sentiment is fine if you are honest about why.

Next steps

Inherited-style workflows apply here too — see for inherited collections and what is my MTG card worth.

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