All Masterpiece Series sets, but for the retroactively-added Zendikar Expeditions, have the set code MPS. Similarly, the expansion symbol for each Masterpiece set is block-specific but distinct from the sets in that block. Masterpiece themes are not always related to card types (e.g., lands, artifacts). Furthermore, Masterpiece-specific card frames change from block to block and are created to match the feel of the world/set. To date, this criterion has meant that each reprint has received new art that reflects the plane of the relevant set. Masterpiece cards can have keywords that do not otherwise appear in the set they are printed with.

The Masterpiece Series, both in presentation and card selection, is tied thematically to the world appearing in the block or standalone set.

The original versions of cards appearing in the Masterpiece Series may also have appeared in rarities other than mythic rare. For example, for Kaladesh roughly 1 out of every 144 boosters contains a Masterpiece (technically 1:2,160 cards.) These ratios may differ for other sets. The card versions of the Masterpiece Series exist at a rarity higher than mythic rare, but slightly less rare than a foil mythic rare. Although they may appear in non-English products, all Masterpieces are printed in English only.

Each block has approximately 50 Masterpiece Series cards.

The original format was envisioned as follows: When Expeditions returned for Zendikar Rising, they were transformed into Box toppers. Masterpieces briefly lived on in the form of Mythic Editions, which in turn were to be replaced by the Secret Lair products and Booster Fun. Originally envisioned to appear with every block, the appearance of the Masterpiece Series was quickly scaled back with the introduction of the Three-and-One Model because R&D realized that producing one for each set would eventually lead to the overall quality level dropping below their standards.

The Masterpiece Series was created after the commercial success of the Zendikar Expeditions. However, taken together, these collections are referred to as the Masterpiece Series. Each individual block or set had its own name for its collection.

The reprints don't appear in the main sets themselves. The Masterpiece Series is a collection of promotional Magic reprint sets of foil cards that originally were randomly inserted in boosters of different blocks or standalone sets.

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