Fallen Empires: Wyvern Misprints for Magic: the Gathering

The Fallen Empires: Wyvern Misprints collection represents one of the most intriguing and sought-after factory errors in the history of Magic: the Gathering. These unique collectibles occurred during a printing error where cards from the Fallen Empires set were produced using the card backs of the Wyvern trading card game, another product manufactured at the same facility. For enthusiasts of MTG oddities and rarities, these misprints are essential historical artifacts that showcase a rare moment in TCG production history.

Rare Singles and collectible oddities

This category is primarily focused on Singles. Because these cards were the result of a specific localized printing error, you will not find them in standard Boosters or Booster Boxes from the regular Fallen Empires release. Collectors search for these specific versions to differentiate their collections from standard sets like Revised or The Dark. Every card in this section features the recognizable front of a Fallen Empires card paired with the distinct purple-backed Wyvern logo, making them immediately identifiable upon inspection.

Guide to collecting Magic: the Gathering misprints

When choosing a misprinted card, consider the following factors to ensure you are adding the right piece to your collection:

Verification: Look for clear images of the card back. The defining characteristic of this set is the Wyvern logo on the reverse side. Authentic misprints should have the correct color saturation and font alignment associated with the 1994 Wyvern release.

Card condition: Like any vintage card, condition is paramount. While many misprints are kept as trophy pieces, their value is heavily influenced by surface wear and edge whitening. Many collectors prefer these cards in Near Mint condition, though even played versions hold significant value due to their scarcity.

Completion goals: Some collectors aim to find all four artwork variations of specific Fallen Empires cards with the Wyvern back. Check our list frequently as inventory for these specific errors is limited by their nature.

Shipping efficiency: To save on costs when building a specialized collection, you can use the CardTrader Zero service. This allows you to combine rare finds from different sellers into a single shipment, which is particularly useful for tracking down specific misprints from global vendors.

Frequently asked questions

Are Fallen Empires: Wyvern Misprints legal for tournament play?

No, these cards are generally not legal for sanctioned Magic: the Gathering tournaments because they have a non-standard card back that is considered a marked card. They are intended for collectors and casual play.

How many of these misprints were actually produced?

While official numbers were never released, it is widely believed that only a small number of sheets were affected before the error was caught, making them significantly rarer than the standard Fallen Empires printing.

Why do these cards have the Wyvern back?

The error occurred at the Cartamundi printing plant in 1994, where the printing plates for Fallen Empires and the Wyvern game were accidentally swapped during a production run.