Mystical Elf [1st Edition] #SDY-E001

Mystical Elf [1st Edition] #SDY-E001 collector guide

About Mystical Elf

Mystical Elf is a Normal Monster, with flavour text instead of an effect, printed as SDY-E001 in Starter Deck: Yugi (2002) as a Common. It is a Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster monster with 800 ATK and 2,000 DEF. Starter Deck: Yugi was one of the two pre-built decks that launched the English game in 2002, built around the cards Yugi Muto plays in the anime, with Dark Magician at its centre.

Character and collecting appeal

Spellcasters have been popular since Dark Magician, and the Type has some of the most sought-after artwork in the game. As a Normal Monster it is collected for its artwork and its spot in the set rather than for play.

Version and identification

This guide covers the 1st Edition printing. The words "1st Edition" are printed below the artwork on the left; copies without them are the Unlimited printing and usually sell for less. Check the code printed below the artwork on the right: it should read SDY-E001. The E in SDY-E001 marks the European English printing. The North American printing uses a code without the letter, sometimes with a different card number, and has its own prices. It is the Common version. Commons have a plain name and no foil. Starter Deck: Yugi has 3 other printings of Mystical Elf: SDY-001 (€0.50), SDY-001 1st Edition (€8.86) and SDY-E001 (€2.28). Each has its own price, so match the code, edition and rarity exactly. It was also printed in Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon, which we track separately.

Price history

There are no recent sales of this printing of Mystical Elf yet, so we cannot give it a value.

Investment potential

In its favour: it comes from the 1st Edition run of an early English set, which will never be printed again. Against it: reprints in another set, which keep playable copies easy to find. Card prices can fall as well as rise, so this is not financial advice.

Before you buy

Ask the seller to show the code SDY-E001, the "1st Edition" text and the Common finish clearly in the photos, as listing titles often mix up printings. Cards from 2002 often show white wear on the back edges and corners, so ask for photos of the back before you buy.

Card details and image from YGOPRODeck. Yu-Gi-Oh! is a trademark of Konami; Search Cards is not affiliated with Konami.