Image courtesy of Scryfall.com
A look at foil versus etched foil valuation for a Modern Masters 2017 red powerhouse
If you’ve ever cracked open a pack from Modern Masters 2017 and watched a red spell chain together a dramatic wipeout, you’ve felt the heartbeat of Bonfire of the Damned. This mythic rarity is a pinpoint example of red’s raw power: a Miracle cost that can surprise even the most planewalker-heavy boards. Its presence in a deck isn’t just about raw damage; it’s about timing, risk, and the drama of drawing the card as your first card of the turn. 🧙♂️🔥 The card’s spell-slinging potential is mirrored in its market presence, where the foil version typically sits at a premium relative to its nonfoil counterpart. The interplay between finish choices—foil versus etched foil when available—offers a microcosm of the broader MTG collectibles market: rarity, print run, set reissues, and the ever-changing desire of players and collectors alike. ⚔️
Understanding the foil landscape for this MM3 staple
Bonfire of the Damned is a red sorcery with an unusual blend of immediate impact and long-term value. Its oracle text reads that it deals X damage to a target player or planeswalker and all creatures they control, with a backup Miracle cost of {X}{R} that you may cast when you draw it as your first card that turn. In practice, that means you can catch opponents off guard with an explosive late-game miracle, or you can deploy a mid-game X-powered blast if you’ve set up your mana to sustain it. The dual-nature of this card—flexible X damage plus a dramatic Miracle option—helps explain why foil versions tend to command a premium among collectors. 🧙♂️💎
- Foil price (USD): approximately 5.48 USD
- Nonfoil price (USD): approximately 2.01 USD
- Etched foil price (USD): not available / none documented for this printing
- Foil price (EUR): approximately 3.19 EUR
- Nonfoil price (EUR): approximately 1.21 EUR
- Pricing note: the data reflect MM3 (Modern Masters 2017) values with a current foil premium, and etched foil exists as a less common specialty finish only for some sets. For this card, etched foil was not listed in Scryfall’s data, suggesting no etched print at this time. The market can swing with demand, reprints, and player interest, so these numbers are snapshots rather than permanent truths. 🔎
- Market indicators: the card sits with a notable EDHREC presence, hinting at its usefulness in multiplayer formats where Miracle’s timing can swing a whole game. It’s a card that invites dramatic plays and memorable moments—perfect for stories at the table. 🎲
Etched foil: existence, scarcity, and what that means for value
Etched foils are a relatively newer foil subclass in Magic’s long history, offering a dark, matte-like finish that changes how the card looks and feels in your hand. They’re typically scarcer than standard foils and command premium prices when a given card actually has one printed. In the case of Bonfire of the Damned from Modern Masters 2017, the official price data show no recorded etched foil variant (usd_etched is listed as None). That means collectors don’t have a documented etched print to chase for this specific card. The absence of an etched print levels the playing field in a surprising way: if you’re chasing premium finishes, a foil copy remains the main route to collect a rarified look and feel, without an etched foil market competing for attention. This also illustrates a broader truth in MTG collecting: not all mythics or reprint cards receive every finish, and the decision to print etched foils depends on the set’s design goals and production costs. 💎
Gameplay, value, and why finishes matter in your deckbuilding philosophy
Beyond the economics, Bonfire’s real magic rests in how it can swing a game. In Commander or cube environments, Miracle can create a dramatic tempo swing, especially when you’re ahead on mana and your draw order aligns to deliver a surprise X-damage cascade that hits multiple targets. The synergy with red’s direct-damage suite, combined with mass-target outcomes, makes this spell a centerpiece for players who love the “push your luck” thrill of miracles. As you weigh finishes, you’re not just calculating numbers—you’re weighing the thrill of the reveal. A top-tier foil captures that moment in a way a nonfoil copy simply can’t, with a slick reflection that catches the eye as you untap and plan your next move. 🧙♂️🔥
Where to look for valuations and how to think about cross-promotion
Market data for this card show that while the foil variant maintains a premium over nonfoils, the absence of an etched foil variant opens a straightforward path for collectors who want a more restrained price window. For price checks, trusted sources like Scryfall, TCGPlayer, and Cardmarket are your go-tos. If you’re browsing for a complete experience—pricing, availability, and purchase options—the card’s presence on multiple platforms ensures you can compare shipping, taxes, and condition across international markets. The modest EUR entry points and the TIX market provide additional levers for collectors who blend MTG with other esteem assets. ⚔️
“Miracle spells like this one bring a different kind of pressure to the table—you’re always weighing whether to hold or cast, because the window to cash in a dramatic X-damage line is slim and dramatic.” — MTG enthusiast and casual tournament player 🧙♂️
For those who love the tactile thrill of collecting while staying on budget, this card offers a clear foil premium without the complication of chasing an etched variant that may never exist for this print. Its mythic status, iconic art by James Paick, and the spell’s explosive potential make it a fan favorite across formats where strategy and spectacle collide. The Modern Masters 2017 era remains a beloved checkpoint in MTG history—where reprints met modern mechanics in bold, memorable ways. 🎨
If you’re looking to pair this collectible with practical gear or display options that echo your passion for the multiverse, consider combining your MTG obsession with everyday accessories that spark conversation. And if you want to bring a little extra color to your play space while you chase those miracles, check out something bright and handy—like Neon Phone Case with Card Holder MagSafe Polycarbonate—your phone can travel with your deck in style. Small pleasures, big plays. 🧙♂️