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Decktrove
Ancient Excavation
PZ2 · Treasure Chest #38 · Uncommon · released 2016-11-16
{2}{U}{B}
Instant
Draw cards equal to the number of cards in your hand, then discard a card for each card drawn this way.
Basic landcycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Search your library for a basic land card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.)
Ancient Excavation is an uncommon black-blue instant from Treasure Chest (2016). It has been printed 4 times across 4 sets, from 2016 to 2024. Recent market prices range from $0.28 to $0.89 depending on printing and finish. It is legal in Legacy, Vintage, Commander and Oathbreaker.
Format legality
Where you can play Ancient Excavation in sanctioned and popular formats.
StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernNot legal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
OathbreakerLegal
HistoricNot legal
BrawlNot legal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
All printings (4)
Prices range from $0.28 to $0.89 across finishes. Cheapest printing: The List at $0.28.
| Set | No. | Rarity | Price | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander 2016 | 27 | Uncommon | $0.49 | — |
| Treasure Chest This page | 38 | Uncommon | — | — |
| Commander Anthology Volume II | 150 | Uncommon | $0.89 | — |
| The List | PZ2-38 | Uncommon | $0.28 | — |
More from Treasure Chest
Rulings
Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (2).
- 2016-11-08The number of cards in your hand is counted only as Ancient Excavation resolves. Ancient Excavation is on the stack at this time, so it’s not counted.
- 2016-11-08The number of cards drawn this way might not be equal to the number of cards in your hand (for example, if you apply Necroplasm’s dredge ability instead of drawing one of those cards). The number of cards that you actually drew is what determines how many cards you discard.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ancient Excavation legal in Commander?
Yes — Ancient Excavation is legal in Commander (EDH).
What formats is Ancient Excavation legal in?
Ancient Excavation is legal in Legacy, Vintage, Commander and Oathbreaker.
How many times has Ancient Excavation been printed?
Ancient Excavation has been printed 4 times across 4 sets, from 2016 to 2024.
What is the cheapest printing of Ancient Excavation?
The cheapest printing is The List (#PZ2-38) at about $0.28.
Who illustrated Ancient Excavation?
This printing of Ancient Excavation was illustrated by James Paick.