Copper Gnomes

Copper Gnomes was released in 1998 as part of the Urza's Saga expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set marked the beginning of the Urza block, a storyline centered on the artificer Urza and his elaborate efforts to defeat the forces of Phyrexia. The card reflects the set's central thematic preoccupation with artifacts, complex mechanical interactions, and the escalating power level of early engine-building mechanics.

The card was illustrated by Jeff Laubenstein, a prolific artist during the game's formative years whose style helped define the tactile, earthy aesthetic of the late 90s sets. Laubenstein's design captures the whimsical yet functional essence of a gnome-engineered construct, grounded in the lore of the Tolarian Academy. Upon release, the card was noted for its utility in allowing players to sacrifice artifacts to put other artifacts directly into play, a mechanic that saw it integrated into various combo-oriented deck strategies of the era.