Sunglasses of Urza

Sunglasses of Urza originated in the Alpha set of Magic: The Gathering, released in 1993 as one of the game's original artifacts. It was designed to provide players with the ability to see their opponent's hand, a mechanic that introduced a layer of psychological depth and strategic transparency to the early gameplay experience. The design itself leans into the game's high-fantasy lore, referencing the central figure of Urza, a powerful artificer whose inventions define much of the game's historical narrative.

The version from the Collectors' Edition, released in 1993, is a non-tournament legal printing intended for display and collecting purposes. While the original cards featured art by Douglas Shuler, the Collectors' Edition cards are distinguished by their square corners and gold-bordered backs. This specific printing was a response to the rapidly growing demand for the game, offering enthusiasts a way to own iconic card art in a format that signaled its status as a collector's item rather than a functional piece for competitive play.