City of Brass

City of Brass was originally introduced in the Arabian Nights expansion of 1993, designed by Richard Garfield as a versatile land card that allows a player to generate any color of mana at the cost of one damage to themselves. The version from the Pro Tour Collector Set, released in 1997, was part of a special series of boxed sets featuring deck lists used by finalists at the 1996 World Championship. These cards are distinct from standard printings due to their gold-bordered backs and specific commemorative face styling, making them ineligible for tournament play but highly sought after for their historical significance.

The card’s illustration, rendered by artist Mark Poole, depicts a shimmering, ethereal cityscape reminiscent of Middle Eastern folklore, fitting the theme of the original Arabian Nights set. The design concept sought to visually represent the dangerous allure of a city that provides immense power but demands a physical toll from its inhabitants. Upon its release, the card became a staple in diverse formats due to its unique utility, and the Pro Tour Collector Set version is now appreciated by collectors as a preserved snapshot of early competitive Magic: The Gathering history.