Treasure — what does it mean?
Create a Treasure token: an artifact you can tap and sacrifice for one mana of any color.
Treasure appears on 371 cards.
How does Treasure work?
Treasure is a predefined token (rule 111.10a). An effect that says ‘create a Treasure’ gives you a colorless artifact token with ‘tap, sacrifice this token: add one mana of any color.’ Think of it as a one-shot land that makes any color.
The ability is a mana ability. It doesn't use the stack, so nobody can respond to it, and you can activate it in the middle of paying for a spell. Since a Treasure isn't a creature, summoning sickness doesn't apply: you can use it the turn you create it. The cost does include tapping, though, so a tapped Treasure gives you nothing.
Unspent mana empties at the end of every step and phase. Sacrificing a Treasure early to ‘lock in’ the mana doesn't work. Leave it on the battlefield until you actually need the mana. Treasures are artifacts: they count for anything that counts artifacts, they trigger effects that care about sacrificing, and artifact removal can hit them. If one is about to be destroyed, you can sacrifice it in response for mana, but only if you can use that mana right away.
An example at the table
On turn 2 you cast a 2-mana creature that creates a Treasure when it enters. On turn 3 you have three lands, all green and white, and a 4-mana spell that needs one red. You tap your three lands for the generic part, tap and sacrifice the Treasure for red, and cast the spell a turn ahead of schedule, in a color your lands couldn't make.
Cards with Treasure
An Offer You Can't RefuseIllustration: Dallas Williams
Smothering TitheIllustration: Mark Behm
Black Market ConnectionsIllustration: Xabi Gaztelua
Deadly DisputeIllustration: John Thacker
Big ScoreIllustration: Jurijus ChitrovasCommon mistakes
- Sacrificing a Treasure early to save the mana. Mana empties at the end of each step and phase, so you just lose it.
- Thinking a Treasure has summoning sickness. Only creatures care about that; a Treasure works immediately.
- Thinking an opponent can respond to the mana. It's a mana ability that doesn't use the stack, so the mana is there instantly.
- Trying to use a tapped Treasure. Tapping is part of the cost, so a tapped Treasure does nothing.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a Treasure the turn I create it?
- Yes. It isn't a creature, so summoning sickness doesn't matter.
- Does sacrificing a Treasure use the stack?
- No. It's a mana ability, which happens immediately and can't be responded to.
- Is a Treasure an artifact?
- Yes, a colorless artifact token with the subtype Treasure. Effects that count or destroy artifacts see it.
- Can I save the mana for later?
- No. Mana empties at the end of the step or phase, so only sacrifice the Treasure when you're about to pay for something.
Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 111.10a. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.
Often seen with
FlyingHasteEquipTrampleFirst strike
Which cards with Treasure do you own? →
Last updated: 26 October 2026