Quick Answer

Essence Anchor is a uncommon Artifact from TDM (TDM) costing {2}{U}. Current price: $0.03 USD. Legal in Modern. Legal in Commander. Legal in Standard.

Essence Anchor MTG card

Essence Anchor

Artifact

Card Text

At the beginning of your upkeep, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.) {T}: Create a 2/2 black Zombie Druid creature token. Activate only during your turn and only if a card left your graveyard this turn.

Card Stats

uncommon CMC: 3.0 TDM TDM 🎨 David Astruga
Surveil

What kind of card is this?

Use these role hubs to find similar staples, upgrades, and answers.

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$0.03
Normal
Buy
TCGPlayer
$0.14
Foil
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.35
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.49
Foil
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.08
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.10
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-16

Format Legality

Alchemy Legal
Brawl Legal
Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Future Legal
Gladiator Legal
Historic Legal
Legacy Legal
Modern Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Pioneer Legal
Standard Legal
Standardbrawl Legal
Timeless Legal
Vintage Legal

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Community Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Essence Anchor? Basics

Essence Anchor is a Artifact card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "At the beginning of your upkeep, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.) {T}: Create a 2/2 black Zombie Druid creature token. Activate only during your turn and only if a card left your graveyard this turn."

How much mana does Essence Anchor cost to cast? Basics

Essence Anchor has a mana cost of {2}{U}, which equals 3.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires U mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Essence Anchor's mana cost of {2}{U} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Essence Anchor has a mana value of 3.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Essence Anchor's current oracle text is: "At the beginning of your upkeep, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.) {T}: Create a 2/2 black Zombie Druid creature token. Activate only during your turn and only if a card left your graveyard this turn."

What is the current price of Essence Anchor? Pricing

The current market price for Essence Anchor is approximately $0.03 USD on TCGPlayer.

A foil copy costs approximately $0.14 USD.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €0.08 EUR.

Where can I buy Essence Anchor? Pricing

You can purchase Essence Anchor from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Essence Anchor normal: $0.03 | foil: $0.14

Is Essence Anchor legal in Standard? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Standard format.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Essence Anchor legal in Modern? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Modern format.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Essence Anchor legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Essence Anchor legal in Pioneer? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Pioneer format.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Essence Anchor legal in Legacy? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Essence Anchor legal in Vintage? Legality

Essence Anchor is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Essence Anchor legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Essence Anchor in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Essence Anchor from? Details

This printing of Essence Anchor is from TDM (TDM), with collector number 44.

Essence Anchor may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Essence Anchor's rarity? Details

Essence Anchor is a uncommon card in TDM.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Essence Anchor? Details

Essence Anchor was illustrated by David Astruga.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

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