A Magic: The Gathering limited-edition (Beta) sealed starter deck display box, signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sold for $312,500 at Heritage Auctions on Friday, setting an all-time record for any sealed MTG product.
It might seem odd at first glance for a TCG box to be signed by one of the greatest technologists in modern history. However, Wozniak is a known MTG fan, telling Game Informer in 2013, “Oh, Magic the Gathering, oh my god, I love that game,” and explaining he had complete sealed Alpha sets sitting in his garage.
The game is not only a passion for Wozniak, but served as a bonding opportunity for him and his son, as they would play during homework breaks.
I am holding a sealed Beta STARTER deck box. pic.twitter.com/OVHz9BNxfB
— Stephen Menendian (@SMenendian) March 2, 2019
The very same box sold at Heritage was posted on Twitter in 2019 by a UC Berkeley researcher named Stephen Menendian, along with other sealed boxes, and the caption, “These were owned by Steve Wozniak, sitting in his garage,” apparently verifying what Woz told Game Informer six years prior.
Since the Wozniak signature is on a side of the box and not visible in Menendian’s photo, it’s unclear whether it was signed at the time. However, a close look at both images show they are likely the same box, exhibiting the same tears in the plastic and other identifying marks.
Wozniak is a Cal alum, receiving a degree in electrical engineering in 1987 after originally dropping out in 1975 prior to forming Apple with Steve Jobs.
Menendian’s connection to Wozniak is uncertain, as is whether he was the owner or current consignor of the box. However, their paths appear to overlap and Menendian told cllct that while he was never the owner of the box, he was "invited to the deal because my friends were buying."
The box was released in 1993, two months after the first MTG release of the Alpha Edition, and contains 10 Beta starter decks with the possibility to include a Black Lotus card as well as others from the Power Nine.
In November 2021, a 1993 Magic: The Gathering alpha edition sealed starter deck sold for $108,000. Another sealed box from the unlimited edition sold for $168,000 in 2022.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.