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Best MTG Scanner for Retro Frame Cards Cards

Learn why Retro Frame Cards cards are challenging to scan and how to get the best results with the right app.

Retro frame cards use the pre-8th Edition card border design, evoking nostalgia for Magic's earliest sets. Wizards of the Coast has brought back the old border for special reprints in sets like Time Spiral Remastered, The Brothers' War, and Dominaria Remastered, and these retro printings are highly sought after by collectors. The old border style creates a unique scanning challenge because the frame layout differs significantly from modern cards. Lotus Scan is trained on both modern and classic frame styles, making it ideal for scanning retro frame reprints alongside the rest of your collection.

Why Retro Frame Cards Cards Are Hard to Scan

The retro frame layout uses a completely different border shape, text box style, and mana symbol placement than modern cards, causing many scanners to misidentify them.
Retro frame reprints can be confused with actual vintage cards from the same era if the scanner does not check set codes and collector numbers.
Retro frame cards exist in foil, non-foil, and foil-etched variants within the same set, adding another layer of complexity.
Some retro frame cards in sets like The Brothers' War use a serialized treatment that requires even more specific identification.

How Lotus Scan Handles Retro Frame Cards Cards

Lotus Scan recognizes both modern and classic Magic frame styles, so retro border reprints are identified just as reliably as standard cards.
The app distinguishes retro frame reprints from genuine vintage cards by cross-referencing set codes, collector numbers, and print quality markers.
Foil-etched and serialized retro variants are tracked separately with their own pricing data.

Scan Retro Frame Cards Cards with Confidence

Download Lotus Scan and start scanning your retro frame cards cards today.

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Tips for Scanning Retro Frame Cards Cards

  1. 1Scan retro frame cards in even, diffused lighting, as the old-border foil treatment tends to produce heavier glare than modern foils.
  2. 2If your retro frame card is from Time Spiral Remastered, note that these carry a significant premium and should be verified against the collector number.
  3. 3For serialized retro cards from The Brothers' War, scan the front for card identification and manually note the serial number for your records.
  4. 4Avoid scanning retro frame cards on dark surfaces, as the brown and tan borders can blend into a wooden desk or dark playmat.
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